Scottish Routes & Tracks Guide

The North Coast 500, a iconic touring route, 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle.

The route is also known as the NC500 was created in 2015 by the North Highland Initiative to highlight some of Scotland’s magnificence

It has been dubbed Scotland’s answer to the renowned ‘Route 66’, just over 500 miles the route naturally follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the Highlands taking in the villages and towns, this must be one of the best road trips in Britain through amazing scenery, windy roads some straight and long with the wind blowing across heather clad moors, sweeping corners around some of the highest mountains in Britain, isolated beaches with the sea swelling all around, Lochs, Wildlife & Nature, high craggy cliffs, thick forest, wide open farmland, stunning beauty with a darker mysterious secrets from a bloody and turbulent time, to the Scottish weather that can change at every turn along the way making this route, one of the few remaining wild places you can drive, for all types of riders.

Only drive the more challenging routes if you are a confident rider, if you are a nervous driver, these roads are not for you, the locals know the roads, especially the single lane roads, so they drive fast and confidently, and will expect you to pull into the passing places as they approach or pull over and let them pass if they are behind you, remember we are no on holiday.

There are many highlights en route Applecross with the scenery changing at every corner, the drive through Assynt are especially memorable, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland, look out for places such as Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats, Dornoch, Inverness, wick, thurso Betty Hill,Torridon and Ullapool, History, Heritage and Archaeology, Rogie falls, Smoo cave, Stunning views and scenery, the scenery changing at every turn, beautiful beaches, Dunrobin Castle, Whaligoe Steps,Castle Sinclair,the Duncansby Stacks, Durness, Balnakiel beach, Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop,Torridon, Diabaig, Bealach na Ba,Sandwood Bay, Kylesku, Oldshoremore, this trip will not disappoint.

the Best time to travel if you’re on a tight budget, aim for April to May and September to October. There is less competition for accommodation so prices are more affordable. It's also easier to get parking, November when so much is shut. A lot of accommodation close their doors as do pubs and food outlets. So plan not only your night stays but also your food stops, we literally drove a whole day and nothing was open for food. Pack snacks and water in your car. Even places who advertised they were open...weren't.

The most expensive time to travel this route is June to August, if you’re looking to travel during this time, book accommodation about 6-12 months in advance, if not you might have to consider camping, especially, if the only properties available are £300+ per night or everything is 'sold out,

plan the best experience possible. With 500 miles of rugged Scottish coastline to navigate and explore, it pays to make sure you have the best itinerary.

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Short walk through Drumnadrochit from the car park to the Nessie Monster Exhibition.

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Short walk around Corrimony village

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Port of Ness Short walk

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Lazy lock down ride from The Steading Highland Glen Lodge to Corrimony Chambered Cairn on a nice sunny warm day. 

Corrimony chambered cairn, only a short ride from The Steading, is a great example of a Clava Cairn passage tomb. Parts of the Cairn have been restored, it is in many ways more complete than the more famous examples at Balnuaran of Clava.

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Ben Nevis Latitude: 56.7969° N Longitude: 5.0036° W

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Ben nevis is close to the end of the West Highland Way at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. The summit, at 1,344 metres (4,409 ft) above sea level
The Nevis Range is one of the premier visitor attractions within the Highlands, offering visitors a truly unique experience no matter what time of the year you visit, Situated in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the gondola ride has a truly stunning backdrop with some of the most spectacular views that you will witness throughout the Highlands!! boasting the longest and most challenging ski runs in the UK there is enough terrain to keep all standards of skier happy.

There are two ski centres – both very different in character, though small by European comparisons, they offer skiing for all standards from beginner to expert. Scotland is a great place to learn to ski and both centres have facilities for complete beginners or those who just want to brush up on their skills You can hire skis or a board and take lessons with our friendly English-speaking instructors.

The Nevis Range is the newest ski resort in Scotland, with a wide range of slopes for all abilities and the expanse of the Back Corries, it’s truly a modern resort by contrast, Glencoe is the oldest ski area in Scotland, but it boasts some really good varied terrain, both resorts offer snowboard hire but be early on weekends to avoid queues.
If it's your first time on a snowboard or you need a refresher course you'll be in safe hands, instructors are all professional BASI trained. BASP-trained teams of patrollers are always on hand with free medical attention at both resorts.

Conditions in the Scottish mountains can vary considerably - and the wind chill can make 0c feel like – 8c so always be prepared and consider your layering and outerwear carefully. 
Though we're not that high up, the ski centres and the surrounding mountains have proper ‘winter weather’, so, conditions aren’t always predictable and you have to be prepared for anything.
The downside of this unpredictable weather is that you sometimes can’t ski for a day or two. The upside is that we usually get snow well into April. You can find real winter skiing conditions here when it is spring everywhere else, other activites you can also enjoy, walking, horse riding,  ski-mountaineering equipment lets you travel up hills, along flat plateaux and down the steepest slopes, to climb up hills, the heel binding is released to allow the boot to hinge at the toe, then gripping skins are stuck to the bases of the skis to provide traction, once you master the knack of a rhythmical gliding walk, uphill travel becomes relatively easy, before you know it, you’re at the summit! Then remove the skins and fix the heels down – this turns your skis into modern Alpine downhill skis ready for the thrill of the descent!
Snow regularly covers the hills down to very low altitudes in Lochaber but often with little warning! If there is a good cover down to the road you can traverse whole ranges of hills without ever taking your skis off.

There are some very high access points  that makes it easy to reach the snowline, if snow is restricted to the tops the two local ski areas, Glencoe and Nevis Range, give easy access to the summits Scottish winter climbing is a unique combination of climbing style, variable conditions, weather and spectacular scenery – all within reach of a warm hotel in town! Snow and ice climbing is very demanding on your skill, stamina and equipment. But the rewards are high. 

Scottish winter climbing is pure adventure! From classic gullies, snowed-up rock climbs to water-ice and thin face snow-ice climbs or a mixed climb, Steep snow slopes lead up to all winter climbs, these require good judgement of the avalanche risk. Snow conditions are reported daily through the Scottish Avalanche Information Service but it’s essential to constantly monitor the weather and stability of the snow, you need to navigate precisely to descend safely after your climb.
The sometimes harsh and very changeable winter weather can easily catch out even the most experienced climbers – but it is also what makes our unique climbing conditions! At the start of the winter, with a covering of snow and a good freeze, mixed climbs in Glencoe and the Grey Corries are the best options. as the freeze continues, watercourses and low-level streams freeze up – creating great water-ice climbs.
The January storms bring frequent thaw-and-freeze cycles that leave snow in the gullies and on the faces, transforming them into perfect snow-ice climbs.
February could be the most reliable month to ensure a good cover of snow and ice and a good range of possible climbs. Late in the season, after all the lower hills have thawed out, Ben Nevis comes into its own. Its unique thin-face-ice climbs are known around the world as some the best climbs anywhere!

BEN NEVIS, (Gaelic for ‘Mountain of Heaven’) It is 4,406 ft high, and is the highest mountain in the British Isles, set at the base in Fort William, the nearest town, on the southern edge of the Great Glen Offering Bed and Breakfast accommodation making Fort William a good starting point to explore.

From one side Ben Nevis slopes gently to near sea level, Even on this fairly easy route the climber is strongly advised not to make the ascent in winter and or in bad conditions, as the conditions can become uncertain from the sea with its warm gulf stream being in line with the summit of the mountain.

There are two Munros listed in the Munros Table both of which are called Càrn Dearg ("red hill").

The higher of these, at 4,006ft, is situated to the northwest.

The other Càrn Dearg 1,020m it juts out into Glen Nevis on the mountain's south western side.

A lower hill, Meall an t-Suidhe 2,333ft, is located further west, forming a saddle with Ben Nevis which contains a small loch Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe,a popular tourist path from Glen Nevis skirts the side of this hill before ascending Ben Nevis' broad western flank. There is a bridle track from Achintee in Glen Nevis, this route up and down and can take up to eight hours.

The summit, which is the collapsed dome of an ancient volcano features the ruins of a Observatory it was established on the summit in October 1883. but was abandoned in 1904. The meteorological data collected during this period are still important for understanding Scottish mountain weather today.

To the north east face of Ben Nevis is the most extensive cliff in UK The upper section is rough and very stony; it is often snow covered and lose the line of the path easily leading onto dangerous terrain - navigational skills are needed. as with any mountain walk.

Any ascent when snow is lying on the path requires winter equipment and skills always prepare, research and communicate with the appropriate agencies before any activities especially when attempting any mountain, hill or Munro climbing it could save your life and that of others.

From Abriachan the route starts uphill on a broad but roughly surfaced track (much of the Way is on such tracks so boots are advised). But the last section of the walk is downhill on better paths, to reach the shore of Loch Ness a mile before Drumnadrochit. Unfortunately the last mile is on the pavement bordering the A82(T).

On the A82(T) turn off at grid ref 573350 to climb to Abriachan (a steep and twisty road). Passing Loch Laide on your left, take the first turn-off on your left (542356). The car park is 200m along this forestry road, on your left (this is also the car park for Walk 1531).
At the other end of the walk, park at the Information Centre in Drumnadrochit grid ref (508300).

There is also a bus service between Inverness and Drumnadrochit; but not to Abriachan.

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In 173 I General Wade began building the road; it was no easy task. Some 500 men were employed on the project, the road runs for 22 miles and was completed in about six months, a feat that would be impressive even today with sophisticated earth-moving machinery.

In a later century it was used extensively by drovers, herd­ing large numbers of cattle to the trysts or markets at Falkirk and Crief.

This famous section of the military road from Dalwhinnie to Fort Augustus  opened up the Highlands after the failure of the Jacobite Rising of 1715, many Highlanders of the time did not like the roads, they seemed to take away their privacy and render them more vulnerable to the English authorities

The summit of the pass rises to 2,507 ft, and on the east of the approach had seventeen traverses, each was buttressed on the outside by a stone wall 10 ft to 15 ft high and flanked on the inside by a drain, It was first put to use in any major way when Prince Charles Edward Stuart led his army through it, crossing from west to east after raising his standard in August 1745.

The pass-road remained in general use for about 100 years, but Highland cattle-drovers, who had used the pass long before Wade, continued to drive their beasts through it until the end of the 19th cent.

Today the old military road no longer in use, but can be accessed to walk the distance involved is some 14 miles with a climb of nearly 500m to the highest point at 770m,.

The Corrieyairack has everything, from the gentle meanderings of the upper River Spey, through the pass itself amid high rolling moorland, and down by the side of Glen Tarff to the A82 near Fort Augustus.

Motor Bike Ride Through Glencoe

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• Kinloch Forest Latitude: 57.177953 Longitude: -5.802133

This is in Kinloch forest, following Forestry Commission waymarked trails out to Leitir Fura, an abandoned farming township on the coast. The trail starts from Kinloch forest car park, just north of Isleornsay (Eilean Iarmain)

There are information boards about the human and natural history of the area at various stages along the trail, but it is really the scenery that is the star here. Follow the signs out of the car park and onto the forest road, which undulates gently up and down along the side of the loch.

After a couple of kilometres you’ll see a large sign pointing left off the main forest track for the Drovers Road and an information sign just past it. It is the line of this old droving path that you’ll be following to Leitir Fura, and the path starts to steadily climb, contouring around the base of Beinn Bhreac above.  

After another kilometre of gentle climbing, passing several handsomely placed benches, there is a signpost indicating a shortcut which takes you back down to the forest road to give a loop of around 5km.

The path starts to descend with some sharp corners and, bursting with wintry zeal, I took these at full tilt to arrive suddenly at the ruins of Leitir Fura. Unlike many townships on Skye, this settlement wasn’t forcibly cleared, but became abandoned as the inhabitants moved away for easier lives away from the harsh subsistence living endured in this rocky, exposed spot. This fact doesn’t make the ruined remains any less interesting.

The drovers’ path that Leitir Fura sits on continues around the coast to Kylerhea, much rougher and unmarked, but it looked like it would be worth further exploration.

Continue down the path and turn right to rejoin the main forest road. Below you on the shoreline are the remains of several slips from which the inhabitants launched boats to fish and, so tales tell, to intercept boats in the sound carrying rum and whisky.

The track contours round the hill, back towards the car park, and towards the sheltered bay of Isle ornsay. The grounds and buildings of Kinloch Lodge are mainly hidden below but you can catch glimpses between the trees of whitewashed houses and the manicured gardens of the hotel below.

Mealfuarvonie Inverness-Shire listed as a Graham and a Marilyn, This mountain is situated on the west shore of Loch Ness 11 miles north east of Fort Augustus and with a height of only 2,284 ft, but stands alone and is conspicuous from many points.

It was used as a navigation guide by ships in the Moray Firth From its summit there are extensive views of Glen More Albin and north to Ross and Cromarty.

• Geal Charn Latitude: 56.837861 Longitude: -4.509694
• Elevation 1.132 m or 3,714 ft

Geal Charn is the western most of the Monadh Liath and so far from the other three Munros that it is usually ascended on its own. Its eastern corrie is attractive, it is the nearest of the Monadhliath summits to Aviemore, it offers a straightforward ascent in good conditions with superb views across Strathspey.
Gael Charn and A'Mharconaich are the two most northerly Munros on the west side of the road, and lie between the A9 itself and the long arm of Loch Ericht, stretching back into the wilds of the Ben Alder Forest.
The walk starts at the car park at a height of 425m, just off the access road to Balsporran Cottages, then crossing the railway line you follow the obvious track that leads up to the bealach, Gael Charn's stony summit has a fine viewpoint, especially into the interior, away from the A9.
The onward path leads generally south west then south to the bealach reached by your starting track: and then you make your way up the flank of A'Mharconaich.
When you reach the summit of A'Mharconaich the path then steeply but easily follows downhill, along the north east ridge, this can get pretty boggy at certain times of the year, when you reach the ridge itself, it branches off to the main track and takes a fairly direct route up to and along the east ridge of Gael Charn, while this provides a viable route up, a reasonably defined path then takes you backdown to Balsporran Cottages and to the car park.

The Great Glen Way is a long distance path in Scotland. It follows the Great Glen, running from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east, covering 79 miles. 
It was opened in 2002 and is one of Scotland's four Long Distance Routes.
Beginning at the Old Fort in Fort William the Great Glen Way skirts the shores of Loch Linnhe to Carpach and the Caledionian CanalThe eight locks of Neptune's Staircase takes the canal to 19.2m above sea level.  The route passes various canal features until Loch Lochy  with forest tracks taking you along the western shore before re-joining the canal at Laggan Lockshere you will find munros on your route.

Great Glen Way on forest tracks near Loch Laggan
From Laggan Locks the route follows the towpath through Laggan Avenue to the Laggan Swing Bridge. Crossing the A82 it then runs along the eastern shores of Loch Oich, It joins to the canal towpath at Aberchalde to Fort Augustus.
At this point there is an alternative route known as the "Invergarry Link" runs along the western side of Loch Oich, providing access to accommodation and shops 
the route climbs away from the canal and up into the forest above Loch Ness. 
There are views from the high level forest track which eventually drops into and out by a steep climb. High level forest track leads into the hamlet of Grotaig then alongside the road until a path heads down through Clunebeg Wood to the banks of the River Coiltie and Borlum Bridge.

Then through the village of Drumnadrochit at this point a have a very comfortable stay at the steading Highland Glen Lodge Bed and Breakfast before the last leg of your journey carry on from Drumnadrochit up the steep hill to Abriachan, from here the Great Glen Way follows a forest track giving good views of Loch Ness on the way to Inverness capital of the Highlands with good travel links all over Scotland.
Leaving the road at Blackfold the waymarking indicates forest track at Craig Leach Forest which emerges at a reservoir, the route then runs downhill through the suburbs of Inverness, to the city centre, finishing at Inverness Castle.

Loch Fleodach Coire Latitude: 58.177659 Longitude: -4.936415

This walk demands a good level of fitness not recommended for the novice.
Ben Starav is the magnificent hulk of a mountain on the south side of Loch Etive. 
It is a fantastic viewpoint and gives an excellent traverse in combination with Glas Bheinn Mhor, with steep and rocky mountains giving tough walking and very simple scrambling conditions, in certain weather conditions this is a very hard day out, ice axe, crampons and winter kit will be required.
It can take about 7 to 9 hours depending on your ability with a 10 mile Ascent: (1410m)

• Dundonnell Latitude 57.838574 Longitude -5.212691
• Postcode IV23

This route takes you right through the heart of Letterewe and Fisherfield and through some grand mountain scenery.
This is probably Scotland's greatest wilderness. Although primarily on good paths and not crossing any mountain summits, it is a long route through a remote area and without any escape routes so it should not be undertaken unless you have the relevant skills. 
The ability to navigate is particularly important as, although a description is given here, there are places where the path is not easy to follow, particularly in mist.
Just after the Dundonnell Hotel, there is a little car park. This is the the place to stop if you wish to walk up towards the hills of An Teallach. 
An Teallach is a strong contender for the title of Britain's best mountain. As with Liathach, the mountain is composed of sandstone, and different weathering rates produces a ridge of pinnacles that mountaineers love. 
An Teallach has two Munros, and is also situated near the coast which enhances the views on clear days. 
This, however, also means that the mountain takes the full force of Atlantic storms. Despite the coastal location, the mountain rises to nearly 3500ft and, this far north, snow can fall at any time of the year. 
It is worth stopping here just to see the tiny loch of 'Toll an Lochain', which is about 2000 feet above sea level and situated underneath the great cliffs of Sgurr Fiona. 
A word of warning though! The inexperienced should be careful though as there have been fatalities on the mountain, particularly in descents.
 Many climbers just visit Bidean a Ghlas Thuill (the summit) and Sgurr Fiona, and thus miss out the harder parts of the mountain. 
The Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team cover this area, and in an emergency, they can be called out through the police. Use the normal emergency numbers, 999 or 112, rather than calling the team directly though.
The road now enters Strath Beag and follows the Dundonnell River inland. 
After passing Dundonnell House, the road starts to climb again. It first passes through a stretch of heavily wooded land, but after passing another waterfall, the road runs through the rocky Dundonnell Gorge. Still climbing, the scenery opens out on your left hand side, while remaining thickly wooded on your right. Passing waterfalls every mile or so, the road is of a surprisingly good quality on this section despite all the bends.
 As the road crosses the 1110-foot Fain Summit, there are more great views of the surrounding hills. Drifting downhill towards Braemore, the scenery is the usual mix of moorland and scrubby woods. This spectacular mile-long gorge is 200 feet deep, and is one of the finest examples in Britain of a box canyon. The river which carved this channel through hard rock plunges 150 feet over the Falls of Measach. 
There is suspension bridge, a little way downstream from the falls, was built by John Fowler (1817-98), who also designed the Forth Bridge. 
Further downstream, a viewing platform provides an excellent viewpoint looking up towards the waterfall.
To the west, there are fine views across the Inner Sound towards the Trotternish Range in northern Skye, and one can see the hills and mountains in every other direction.
After running along the edge of Loch Tollie, there are some more small wooded portions of the road, as well as moorland. 
As the road heads towards Poolewe, it runs alongside the River Ewe for the last mile before the village off Poolewe.

Short walk through Cannich

• Glenmore Latitude 57.176330 Longitude -3.703380

Glenmore Forest a place to walk located near Aviemore, Glenmore Forest has some of the best preserved areas of ancient Caledonian forestry in the country, much of the area’s former woodland was felled but Glenmore retains many pristine pine, juniper and birch trees from the old forests. Enjoy the solitude and quiet as you roam among these proud trees there are rounded mountains, and lochs with sandy beaches, there are wild flowers and birds that thrive among the trees much of the forest park is a National Nature Reserve.
The easiest route is the beach trail from Loch Morlich Beach it is accessible to all, including wheelchair users, for a longer outing there is the Loch Morlich trail which goes right round the loch.
There are some tree roots and stones along the way, but no hills to climb. For a real taste of Glenmore’s mix of forest and hillside, take the Ryvoan trail from the Glenmore Visitor Centre or the Ryvoan car park, there is a lower section on broad, firm forest road ideal for cycling or push chairs the upper section dips and dives across the hillside, the walks are different in length and ability you can do part of the walk or do a circuit to experience this glen and the wild life, here from the birds like Scottish crossbill and crested tit, and offeringa range of different habitats, like wet boggy places among the trees that are perfect for dragonflies and damselflies for you to see.
If you are looking for more of a challenge then head to the open hills that surround the glen at the head for Allt Mor follow the burn to the Coire Cas car park at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, you can take a train ride up and down the mountain and then walk back down the burn. For the more enthusiastic of you, hike up Meall a’ Bhuchaille the hill of the shepherd straight from Glenmore Visitor Centre. The path doesn’t stop climbing all the way to the top at 2600 ft. offering superb views.

• Inverness Latitude: 57.477773 Longitude: -4.224721
• Inverness Postcode IV1
• Inverness 4 Day Weather Forecast
• Inverness WOEID 24502
• Inverness Map
• Inverness Reviews

Short walk around Inverness crossing the river Ness.

Short walk through Glenurquhart

Walk around Falkirk

Short walk through Newton Ferry North Uist

• Rodel Latitude: 57.7445° N Longitude: 6.9676° W
• Rodel Postcode HS5
• Rodel WOEID 33465

Short walk around Rodel Harris

• Knockfarrel Latitude: 57.587548 Longitude: -4.495113

Knock Farril (Knockfarrel) is the name of the summit of a ridge called Druim Chat (Cat's Back) to the east of Strathpeffer, Knockfarrel Hill Fort is located at the end of an impressive crag and tail land feature.
The ridge rises very steeply and is crowned by an important vitrified fort.
This fort first attracted the attention of archaeologists as far back as the 1770s. The result was unfortunate as Richard Feachem. in his guide to prehistoric Scotland says. ''The great size of all the remains and the blurring of outlines and details render almost all questions about this fort unanswerable as yet However, those not particularly interested in archaeology can console themselves with excellent views of the countryside from the Cat's Back easily approachable by a footpath from near the centre of Strathpeffer.

Glen Affric (easy walk) Distance: 6 km; duration: 1.5 - 2 hours A forest walk, the trail takes you through ancient Caledonian forestry, the terrain of forest footpaths with tracks but rocky in places, that can all be undertaken on paths or hill tracks where you will not meet any vehicles and the only people you will see will be other walkers.
Here you can see 100 different bird species here including golden eagle, black grouse, osprey, red kite, Scottish cross bill and crested tit. Habitats are widely varied and include agricultural land, pastures, woodland, moorland, wetlands, mountains, rivers, lochs, mudflats, cliffs and sea.
The Corrimony RSPB Nature Reserve and Glen Affric National Nature Reserve are on the doorstep you can see roe deer, stags or the seldom seen capercailie in the foliage, as well as providing views of stunning Glen Affric taking you to the top of a dramatic waterfall of Dog Falls that thunders through a rocky gorge very impressive after rainfall or melting snow.
During the summer months there is a regular bus service serving the local community and up into Tomich were you can access the forest trails they provide the perfect environment for young and old to walk or cycle, the Forest Enterprise have car parks have marked woodland trails here. The surrounding mountains in Glen Affric, Glen Cannich and Glen Strathfarrar boast many Munros and Corbett's to challenge the experienced hillwalker, but be aware that there may be some restrictions on certain locations during the stalking season. 

Shawbost Lewis short walk

The walk skirts round loch Affic with spectacular mountain scenery and views down the long glen.
The public road in from Cannich ends at a Forestry Commission car park.
Two tracks continue on although both are closed to unauthorised vehicles.
Take the left hand one and drop down to a bridge over the River Affric.
Then pass through a high gate and strike out along the forest track.
A few hundred yards on, the track reaches a three way junction.
Take the right hand option here and descend to follow the River Affric west.
The track runs through heather, low shrubs and Scots Pine trees, passing a small lochan on the left half a mile on.
It then rises and falls as it runs by Affric Lodge across the water and, after crossing the Allt Garbh, climbs round a small knoll before running along above the loch.
At the far end of Loch Affric, the track runs above a small strip of sandy beach with a wooden jetty before dropping down to a junction.
Turn right here and follow another track by the river to a cluster of buildings at Athnamulloch.
The way passes between a white cottage and a pair of stone sheds and there are boards here with information on the estate.
Cross the river by the bridge and the track rises up past Strawberry Cottage, a former shepherd's bothy, it skirts round a low hill before striking a straight course west down Glen Affric.
About 500 yards beyond Athnamulloch, a path branches off to the right at Cnoc Fada.
Follow this north past Loch Coulavie, a picturesque and, in parts, reedy lochan which, like Loch Affric, is well stocked with trout.
The way continues through the heather, crossing the Allt Coire Leachavie before flattening off to run along above Loch Affric, the shore below lined with Scots Pines.
As you approach the east end of the loch you can see Affric Lodge, It was built in 1864 by the first Lord Tweedmouth, a keen Victorian sportsman, on an island linked to the north shore by a causeway and the south shore by a bridge, the path then drops down to a shed past a high post and wire fence to meet up with a track at the entrance to the lodge.
Follow this back to the start.

• Balblair Latitude 57.670196 Longitude -4.177490

To visit the fort at Dounie, travel on the A836 from Edderton towards Ardgay. About 2 miles north west of Edderton crossroads locate a forest track leading off left into a conifer wood opposite fields (Ardvannie). Look for a green signpost on the right. There is a car park at the beginning of the track just before a boom.
To reach the fort walk uphill on the track and turn right onto a new track. Find a finger–post on your left at the start of the path that snakes up the hillside.
On leaving the trees continue up over the heather on a strimmed path until it flattens out.
Forestry Commission Scotland has erected interpretation signs at the car park and at the upper end of the path.

Short walk around Barassie

• Kinloch Forest Latitude: 57.177953 Longitude: -5.802133

This is in Kinloch forest, following Forestry Commission waymarked trails out to Leitir Fura, an abandoned farming township on the coast. The trail starts from Kinloch forest car park, just north of Isleornsay (Eilean Iarmain)
There are information boards about the human and natural history of the area at various stages along the trail, but it is really the scenery that is the star here. Follow the signs out of the car park and onto the forest road, which undulates gently up and down along the side of the loch.
After a couple of kilometres you’ll see a large sign pointing left off the main forest track for the Drovers Road and an information sign just past it. It is the line of this old droving path that you’ll be following to Leitir Fura, and the path starts to steadily climb, contouring around the base of Beinn Bhreac above. 
After another kilometre of gentle climbing, passing several handsomely placed benches, there is a signpost indicating a shortcut which takes you back down to the forest road to give a loop of around 5km.
The path starts to descend with some sharp corners and, bursting with wintry zeal, I took these at full tilt to arrive suddenly at the ruins of Leitir Fura. Unlike many townships on Skye, this settlement wasn’t forcibly cleared, but became abandoned as the inhabitants moved away for easier lives away from the harsh subsistence living endured in this rocky, exposed spot. This fact doesn’t make the ruined remains any less interesting.
The drovers’ path that Leitir Fura sits on continues around the coast to Kylerhea, much rougher and unmarked, but it looked like it would be worth further exploration.
Continue down the path and turn right to re-join the main forest road. Below you on the shoreline are the remains of several slips from which the inhabitants launched boats to fish and, so tales tell, to intercept boats in the sound carrying rum and whisky.
The track contours round the hill, back towards the car park, and towards the sheltered bay of Isle Ornsay. The grounds and buildings of Kinloch Lodge are mainly hidden below but you can catch glimpses between the trees of whitewashed houses and the manicured gardens of the hotel below.
Back at the car park.

• Spar Cave Latitude 57.140559 Longitude -6.071094

Please note the cave can only be accessed for a hour or so either side of low tide, so check the tide state and give yourself plenty of time either side of low water to to get in, explore and get back out! The route to the cave involves walking across waterlogged ground, rock scrambling and the crossing of seaweed covered rocks, so ensure you are fit, suitably equiped and prepared.

To explore the cave you will need to take your own lighting.

The cave has taken many centuries to present its present form so please leave them as you find them for the benefit of future visitors.

• Randolph's Leap Latitude: 57.533810 Longitude: -3.660733

The nearest settlement is Logie Steading, a steading ( a group of farm Buildings ) from where you can walk along the side of the river.
Randolph's Leap from Logie Steading.
To get there take the A940 south towards Grantown on Spey From Forres for approximately 6 miles then turn right onto the B9007.
Follow the B9007 for approximately about a 1 mile you will see the entrance to Logie Steading is on the right
This route traces the steps of the disgruntled Cummings family who, with their men, attacked Randolph, the Earl of Moray, only to be forced to retreat to the River Findhorn and leap across its churning waters to make their escape.
The popular walk involves clear paths but give due attention to the steep edges near the fast-flowing river, it is not particularly difficult but there is an option to take the steeper rockier paths for the more adventurous, the surface is pretty good, although there are some areas with rocks and tree roots so care should be taken.
The path is relatively easy to follow but is not suitable for wheels of any kind. 
Opposite the entrance into the steading building there is a children's play area, accessed by a wooden gate go through the gate and continue straight on following the grassy path towards the river it turns to the left after about 100 yards, from this path there are a few smaller paths which run off to the right, taking one of these will lead you towards the river view point but but one of the paths is very steep and quite slippery you will need appropriate shoes.
This part of the Findhorn is renowned for its dramatic rocks, cliffs and waterfalls, and peaceful surrounding pine forest, it is also an important wildlife area, here you can see lesser black-backed gulls, woodpeckers and red squirrels.

• Lochgilphead Argyll Latitude: 56.170641 Longitude: -4.900365

Lochgilphead, Argyll, and adjoining areas have plenty of accommodation with easy to find Hotels, Self-Catering accommodation, Holiday Parks, Caravan Sites and the traditional B&B all offering seasonal discounts; the most expensive periods being during local Festivals, Christmas, and New Year. You will find good holiday bargains during Winter!
The route begins from Lochgilphead and can be pick up at the Crinan Canal towpath at any one of a number of access points along the A816 which approaches the town from the north there is magnificent scenery that cuts through remote country side on quiet roads before returning across a vast area of flat bog land known as the Maine Mlhor.
Follow the popular towpath north with a fairly smooth surface suitable for all but narrow road tyres as far as Cairnbaan, where a series of locks raises the level of the canal, that tops out at 64 metres further along at Dunardry, go through a narrow gap in the wall and turn right onto the road, immediately bearing left to a cycle sign towards Achnabreck.
At a T-.junction there are mountain bike trails in the forest ahead but our circuit goes left to join the A816 Oban road, which you follow fbr about 1.5 kilometres to Bridgend, just before reaching the village, turn right at an unsigned road with an 18-tonne weight restriction to cross the River Add on the lovely old stone bridge.
From here cross the meandering river turning right to follow the sign to Kilmichael Glassary, with cup marked stones and 'keyhole ' carvings which were etched in the bare hillside around 4.000 years ago, their exact meaning is uncertain Continuing past the village, you pedal into more remote countryside, heading along a fine single-track road with standing stones visible in the fields on both sides.
The route is quiet up to Loch Leathan, where a pile of stones in the water is the remains of a crannog.
The route skirts the loch to its west before passing through a gate and continuing across an area of farmland, pass through a few gates and over a cattle grid on your way to a T-junction opposite a white cottage.
This quiet road is the B840 and turning left onto it, you will pass a broken standing stone beside the verge before twisting and turning down to meet the A816 again.
Bear left on this road towards Kilmartin.
You are now on NCN route 78 This Sustrans route which will soon connect Campbeltown in the south with Inverness in the Highlands follows a rougher road section to pass Carnasserie Castle, but you could just fallow the main road as far as Kilmartin if you'd rather avoid it.
If using the signed route, go right to pass the castle car park and up a stony track, turning left before the castle itself and following the unsurfaced road which includes rutted twin-track section through thick undergrowth and muddy stretches.
Follow the wooden marker posts towards Kilmartin, where there is a museum with lots of interesting information about the historic kingdom of Dalriada, here you will find plenty of accommodation with easy to find Hotels, Self-Catering accommodation, Holiday Parks, Caravan Sites and the traditional B&B
The area offers something for everyone – wonderful wildlife, walking, fishing, shooting, horse riding and sightseeing.
Only 10 miles from Invereray and 32 from Oban, there are countless destinations within easy reach.

• Shenval Latitude 57.33030075598046° N Longitude -4.648736105347966° W
  

Way marked cycling and walking trails through Glenurquhart Forest with fine views to the hills of Strathglass and Glen Affric,
Corrimony is located in nearby Glenurquhart, about five miles from Cannich along the A831 to Drumnadrochit and Loch Ness,
Turning off the A831 you take the unlisted road for roughly a mile to the car park. 
The Corrimony Cairn is only a few minutes walk away.
The Corrimony Cairn is a passage grave of the Clava type dating from the 3rd Millenium BC.
To visit the RSPB Nature Reserve you carry on past the Cairn following the waymarks. 
From the carpark to Loch Comhnard and back is a round trip of about 8 miles.
With so many marked Cycling routes why not stay at The Steading Highland Glen Lodge Bed and Breakfast after a good days Cycling for an over night stay, offering evening meals and a dram or two in our pub on the same site so no extra travelling from the Bed and Breakfast rooms, or make this your base to set out each day after a full Scottish Breakfast to start you on your way, with a packed lunch prepperd for you
From the Steading you can head into the hills or follow the road routes.
On the way to Drumnadrochit there are great views of the little white church sitting on the banks of Loch Meiklie, Saint Ninian Episcopal Church,
The Scottish Episcopal Church is part of the world-wide Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Churches of Commonwealth countries, the American Episcopal Church and the Anglican Churches of England, Ireland and Wales.
Through the Porvoo Agreement, we are also in communion with the Scandinavian Lutheran Churches welcome visitors from all Christian denominations.
All are invited to share with us in all our services and in Holy Communion.
Coffee is served in our coffee room following the 11.00am Sung Eucharist each Sunday.
The church building is Victorian but it has ramp access, and a loop system. There is an off-road car park
( The door is always open, and there are benches and a picnic table on the Loch side paths.)
Along the route you will pass through the village of Bailnain and  the picturesque 19th century village of Milton and over Drumnadrochit to Urquhart Bay and Loch Ness, home to the world famous Nessy to the Craigmonie viewpoint.

• Loch Rannoch Latitude: 56.697672 Longitude: -4.228255

Loch Rannoch is a loch in Perthshire around 20 miles west of Pitlochry.
The loch stretches 10 miles from Kinloch Rannoch to Bridge of Gaur in the west and has a recorded depth of 440 ft.
Loch Rannoch lies on the traditional main route north to the west coast of Scotland, known famously as the Road to the Isles. However, major road construction in the 19th century has by passed it leaving the area unspoiled and unchanged.
The village of Kinloch Rannoch is a good place from which to start exploring the Clan Trail.
A series of interesting story boards have been placed at accessible points around the loch shore that tell the fascinating tales of clans prominent in the district before the 19th and 20th centuries.
There is also a Crannog a artificial island near the far west of the loch which was used in the 18th century as a base for outlawed members of the MacGregor Clan.
The total loop of this is about 30 miles so it's a day out as opposed to half a day, the road circuit around the loch is perfect for cycling as it’s completely flat and relatively traffic free with sandy beaches on the north shore being an ideal place to rest or picnic with breathtaking views of the area.
The village of Rannoch is situated at the eastern end of Loch Rannoch it has a local store, hotel, and a convenience store and a local private bus service connecting Rannoch to Pitlochry.
Leaving the village from the south you will cross a stone bridge over the river turn right along the south Loch Rannoch road with an acient caledonian forest linning the edge of the loch and road
The landscape at the Kinloch Rannoch end of the loch is much more open and rugged highland atmosphere at the headwaters of Loch Rannoch the water flows down from the Rannoch floor bringing you close to the watershed of Scotland, the historic Druim Alba.
The Black Wood of ' Rannoch is one of ' the !argest areas of ancient pine forest left in Scotland and is a truly magical place, a Special Area of Conservation, some of the trees are thought to be over 400 years old and the wildlife includes deer, pine martens and red squirrels.
Beyond the pines of ' the Black Wood the landscape begins to open out with good views of some big hills, Meall Buidhe and Stuchd an Lochain, standing like sentinels on either side of Loch an Damph.
Beyond lies the Great Wall of ' Rannoch, the Munro tops of ' Beinn a ' Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair, the road rises slightly near the west end of the loch then drops as you ride through Finnart and Bridge of Gaur to meet the B846 that runs west to Rannoch Station, being the most remote station in the UK, take your bikes over the bridge along the road from the station to Loch Rannoch with all around excellent views from the station and one of a steam train crossing the raised bridge just on the north side.

The area is open to the elements, Pick a good weather day for this ride though because it is quite exposed in many places you could get caught in quite a few hefty showers.
From here it's easy going downhill to the loch. Keep an eye open for the famous winking frog on your left, as you cycle east the conical summit of ' Schiehallion, one of Scotland's great mountains, appears just over the broad ridge of Creag Mhor.
As you cycle along the final couple of miles you will pass a holiday timeshare village, the Loch Rannoch Highland Club it is a complex of 85 properties in the picturesque village of Kinloch Rannoch, in Perthshire the apartments and Lodges can accomodate between 2 and 8 guests,the properties are available to rent or buy, and a few are available for resale, at very competitive prices.
The Highland Club is on the banks of Loch Rannoch, a beautiful loch surrounded by walks and scenic locations. The wild Rannoch Moor stretches to the west, and the Tay Forest Park lies along its southern shore presided over by the majestic Schiehallion, or Sidh Chailleann in Gaelic (Fairy Hill of the Caledonians) the Club is also a dog friendly resort and welcome responsible owners and their dogs.
The surrounding Rannoch area also offers excellent walking, from woodland paths in Rannoch Forest and quiet loch side rambles to the dramatic wild peaks and cross country routes of the Great Moor of Rannoch.

• Sron a' Choire Ghairbh Latitude: 57.007889 Longitude: -4.928805

As you drive along the A82 north of Spean Bridge, Sron a'Choire Ghairbh and Meall na Teanga dramatically come into view. 
They stand high and imposing above Loch Lochy and are accessed by Kilfinnan on the other side of Laggan Locks, here you will find forestry tracks that make for rapid and easy walk to the lower slopes of these Munros

Fine stalkers paths take over and continue to just below the summits, from where navigation is fairly straightforward.
Immediately behind these hills and hidden from the A82 are several smaller hills with fine views, including Ben Tee, a fine Corbett with great views.
 To cycle across the bridge over Kilfinnan Burn,go through a gate and into forestry land.
Beyond this the track splits by a phone mast, keep right and cycle for another 2km to a bridge over the Allt Glas Dhoire.
Leave bikes here, and start up on a path marked by a small cairn and sign-post at the track-side. 
The path is steep at first as it heads through forest.
As it exits the forest, the path then follows the Allt Glas Dhoire up to the bealach separating Sron a'Choire Ghairbh and Meall na Teanga. 
This peat-bogged col is crossed by a line of fence posts. It doesn't matter in which order the two Munros are bagged, but for some reason.
Turn right and follow a fine stalker's path zig-zagging its way up Sron a'Choire Ghairbh's southern side.
The path then fades into the grass, just head north and continue uphill to attain the crest above Coire Garbh.Turn left north-west, follow the edge of the coire up to the small summit cairn. These along with alternative routes up the Munros are accessed from the 'Mile Dorcha' and the Eas Chia-aig.

• Meall na Teanga Latitude 56.989111 Longitude -4.930944

Meall na Teanga (917m) on the northwest side of Loch Lochy. Meall na Teanga is accessed from the north via Kilfinnan, and from the south at Clunes or Cia-aig (by Loch Arkaig)
Take the minor road along the northwest side of the Caledonian Canal to Kilfinnan farm. 
It is possible to drive as far as the locked forestry gates about three-quarters of a mile beyond the end of the sealed road.
From here walk (or cycle) about one and a half miles along the forest road (ignoring the left fork which the Great Glen Way takes soon after the gates), then turn right onto a small track which heads steeply up into the trees. 
Once out of the forest the track continues to climb steadily up to the Cam Bhealach.
To ascend Meall na Teanga, head uphill south from the bealach, skirting around the side of Meall Dubh, to reach a saddle between it and Meall na Teanga.
From here climb southwest up to Meall na Teanga's northern ridge, and turn south along it to the summit.
(Allow an hour to reach here from Sron a' Choire Ghairbh.) Return by the same route.

• Mhaighdean Latitude 57.719609 Longitude: -5.348044

These seven Munros lie in the heart of one of the most remote areas of Scotland, with A'Mhaighdean lying further from a main road than any other Munro in the country.

To bag the 5 Munros in Fisherfield (with Beinn a'Chlaidheimh, affectionately known as the "Big 6"), most people back-pack into Shenavall and tick the peaks off over two days, leaving An Teallach to be climbed another day. 
It is however perfectly possible for fit hill-walkers to do all seven Munro peaks in one outing. 
This will require the classic scramble over Corrage Bhuidhe to be omitted. 
However this is compensated for, by finding a huge, hidden waterfall cascading into a dark chasm on the south side of An Teallach. Good paths are present along most of the route and a fine track is followed out of the area at the end of the day. Head south-west from Ruadh Stac Mor's summit over bouldery ground.Look for some cairns and pick up a faint path to the edge of some steep ground.
The path turns left, scramble down the loose sandstone to the bealach at 750m and pick up an obvious path coming the north-west.
This path crosses the bealach (look out for the 'shelter stone'), becoming fainter, then obvious again, then starts to climb up the steep grassy ground to the flat summit, just north of A'Mhaighdean.
Reach this, then head south-south-west over fine gravel for 350m to the summit. 
This is a superb remote location to stop and take time to enjoy the views all around.
It should be noted that where there are no paths, well-honed navigation skills are essential for progress in mist, particularly when heading off A'Mhaighdean and the route between Sgurr Ban and Beinn a'Chlaidheimh.

• Loch Eck Latitude 56.08299° Longitude N -4.99381° E

Loch Eck is a loch located to the north of Dunoon
Loch Eck Shore Cycle Trail is a 14.5km Blue moderate route.
A beautiful family orientated ride along the tranquil beaches and forests of western Loch Eck.
You can ride as little or as far as you want, a return trip from Glenbranter to the Benmore Botanical Gardens and back is 27km.
The route starts finishes at the Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) centre at Glenbranter follow the track south to Glenshellish Farm, head left at the farm and towards the River Cur.
The forest track now follows the western shore of Lock Eck for 13.5km and is mostly level with the odd short climb,
The botanical gardens are a mysterious and enchanting place set in dramatic mountainside scenery with an assemblage of plants from the Himalayas, Bhutan, Chile and Japan

• Gleouraich Latitude 57.097167 Longitude -5.238055

This is quite a short day, and if you are lucky enough to have good visibility, the ridge gives a good vantage point to see over to the long South Glen Shiel ridge just to the North. 
At the car park at the bottom of Allt Coire Peitireach, start to head up a clear stalker's footpath as it winds it's way up the ridge, over the subsidiary summit at 840m before continuing round on to the summit of Gleouraich.
Head Westward from here along the well-defined ridge, offering a good vantage point to see over to the long South Glen Shiel ridge.
There are a couple of subsidiary summits along the way, but it should be straightforward to identify the summit of Spidean Mialach
There is a path that takes you off Spidean Mialach, but you need to basically to head directly South-West off the mountain.
Once on the other side there is an obvious path that you back down to the road and comes out just before the starting point.

• Sgurr a' Mhaoraich Latitude 57.105555 Longitude -5.330555

This munro has a height of 1027m (3369ft) it has steep rocky flanks with a complex series of ridges and corries.
The munro is most commonly climbed from the shores of Loch Quioch to the south and is a fairly short easy climb that gets better the higher you get.
The route is on a stalkers path from Sgurr a'Mhaoraich's southern side leading up the Bac nan Canaichean ridge to the subsidiary top of Sgurr Coire nan Eiricheallac continuing onto the summit over rugged terrain. 
The descent is on the southern ridge which is more uneven and rugged than the ascent.

Glen Shee West starts at Blair Atholl to Braemar it is located at the the west mouth, It is bounded on the west by the Minigaig Pass, an historic right of way between Blair Atholl and Glen Tromie and on the east by the A93 road from Glen Shee to Braemar. The northern boundary is the line of the River Dee westwards from Braemar up Glen Geldie to the head of Glen Feshie. Another important feature of this area is Glen Tilt, which carves a deep trench through the heart of the mountains and is also the line of an historic right of way. As a whole this area is characterised by rounded hills and extensive tracts of high moors, and only Beinn a' Ghole among the hills is distinctive enough to be recognised from a distance. 
On the north-west side of Glen Tilt there is an extensive area of rounded hills extending northwards beyond the Tarf Water to the head of Glen Feshie. 
Beinn Dearg and Carn  Chlamain are in the southern part of this area, lying about 10 kilometres north of Blair Atholl and fairly accessible from there. North of them, Carn an Fhidhleir and An Sgarsoch are the highest points in the very remote tract of rounded hills in the wild land where the headwaters of the Feshie, Geldie and Tarf burns have their sources.
The south-east side of Glen Tilt is dominated by the great range of Beinn a' Ghlo, whose several peaks and corries make this the finest mountain massif in the south-west part of the Mounth between Blair Atholl and Braemar.
To its north, and accessible from Spittal of Glenshee, is Glas Tulaichean, a large sprawling hill far up Glen Lochsie, and behind it in the mountain hinterland Carn an Righ is another very remote hill. 
To their north, Beinn Iutharn Mhor and Carn Bhac rise at the head of Glen Ey and are most easily accessible up that glen from Inverey on the River Dee. 
To their east, and lying just west of the A93 road at its highest point between Glen Shee and Braemar, are The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda, two hills whose flanks are scarred by the ski tows and snow fences of the Glen Shee ski centre. 
They are probably the two easiest to climb. Hidden between them and the head of Glen Ey are two more retiring hills, Socach and Carn a' Gheoidh, which are also most easily reached from the A93 road.

• Latitude 56.951611 Longitude -4.602722

Creag MeCreag Meagaidh is a mountain on the northern side of Glen spean in Scotland, it is the complete mountain experience, with Munro summits, an exposed whaleback ridge and ice carved gullies.
The starting point is from the Scottish Natural Heritage car park off the A86
From the wild and windswept mountain plateau to a woodland forest it feels like the Highlands have been compressed into one nature reserve.
Rare mountain plants like woolly willow and highland saxifrage battle against the elements, whilst black grouse flourish in the combination of woodland and open moorland.
Creag Meagaidh is the complete mountain experience.

• Bruach na Frithe Latitude 57.246667 Longitude -6.210278

Bruach na Frithe is the easiest Munro summit on the Cuillin Ridge, with one of the best view points.
One of Britain's only true mountain range, not too difficult for a competent hill walker, depending on the weather.
Unless you are skilled and experienced, do not attempt this walk. The summit, which has the only trig point on the ridge, is 958m high, The bealach is worth the climb You can see the view south, into and over Lotta Coire, to Bla Bheinn, Elgol and Rum, and the massive summit of Am Basteir (The Executioner' in English)
A few yards north takes you onto the ridge leading out to Sgurr a' Bhasteir, from where you get a great view of Sgurr nan Gillean's Pinnacle Ridge.
To your right at the head of the corrie is Sgurr a' Fionn Choire, and Bruach na Frithe itself.
take the level path running along the back wall of Fionn Choire, below the peak of Sgurr a' Fionn Choire.
This leads to the east ridge of Bruach na Frithe and a clear and straightforward path to the summit.
To return back down follow the same route, although on a good day you can follow the north-west ridge down to the foot of Fionn Choire.

Linn of Dee Car Park Latitude 56.988116 & Longitude -3.545913

Travel along NCN route in this fascinating cycle ride which takes you past Culloden battlefield and the historic Bronze Age Clava Cairns.

The ride starts on the River Ness at Inverness, heading east to the historic village of Culloden. You then pass the famous Culloden battlefield where the Jacobites were defeated by the British in 1746. Soon after you will come to Clava Cairns - a Bronze Age Circular chamber which is also well worth a look.

The remainder of the ride then takes you through Assich Forest and along the River Nairn to Nairn.

Starting from the Layby besides Loch Beinn a' Mheadoin in Glen Affric

River Affric Car Park Lat, Lon 57.264982,-4.984596

Ben Lui is the highest and most famous of a group of four Munros that lie south of Glen_Lochy Glen Lochy and about 10 km north of the top end of Loch Lomond. The other three peaks in the group are Beinn a' Chleibh Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig.

Buchaille Etive Beag Munro

• Ardvorlich House Latitude: 56.722953 Longitude: -4.965649
• kinlochleven postcode PH50

Eastern Mamores via Car Park outside Ardvorlich House

• Falloch Munros Ardvorlich Latitude: 56.380846 & Longitude: -4.214416
• Postcode FK19

A short walk around Stranraer starting from and returning to Agnew Park

Dunure short walk from the park to the Harbour

Short walk from North Tolsta to New Tolsta

Short walk along Uig sea front

The Easains

Mount Keen Starting point Car park in Glen Esk
The climb from Glen Esk via Glen Mark is the shortest route up Mount Keen. The most easterly of the Munros is a dome rising above vast swathes of empty, bleak moorland, with extensive views on a good day.

Beinn a' Ghlo Latitude: 56.833333 & Longitude: -3.716667 Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross PH18
Parking off farm track

Stromness Pier to Unston Cairn Walk

Glencoe village to ski area

Latitude 56.851594 Longitude -4.244400

West Drumochter Munros Sgairneach Mhor, Beinn Udlamain, Gael-Charn, Mharconaich Start Point.

Latitude 56.537036 Longitude -4.814040

Victoria Bridge Munros starting from Car park at Victoria Bridge.

West Highland Way and Dumgoyne

From the outset, this splendidly isolated trail ascends consistently and gradually rarely does such great altitude come so easily. Only in a few places will you need to switch your brain on, and this firm, stony trail is rideable in all conditions, offering considerable grip. Once over the small wooden bridge, the mountains start to close in, the trail steepens and the challenges begin. Some fighting spirit and strong legs will see you up most of the climb; only in a few places will the best have to push.
Once up on Bealach Ban, you are greeted by one of the best views anywhere in the UK. To the north is the Liathach, a collection of Munro's arranged along a West-East axis, and it is here that the terrain of Torridon is at its most striking.
At the lochan above the corrie, the fun begins with some fast, rocky single track around the waters edge that's a taste of what is to come. Drop into the Coire Lair on some loose rubble, barrel though a series of crests and dips and keep the power down as the glen opens out. When a number of paths converge your'e at the beginning of arguably the best section of descent in the UK. The gneiss rock offers unrivalled grip and the turns keep coming. You might even find yourself laughing at the ridiculous quantity of grip on tap.
By the time you re-join the road, you will have climbed almost 2,500 feet and dropped it again in spectacular fashion. You may even have a sunset to pedal into on the way back to the start point.

The Affric Kintail Way runs from Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness, to Morvich in Kintail, near the west Highlands seaboard.

Whether you are Hiking, backpacking, hillwalking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, or on a great Landscape and wildlife photography holiday this is a wild place, this route has many options, depending on how long you want to take, or how much effort you want to put into your trip, and which direction you want to take, this is a truly superb cross-country experience.

It consists of the mountains to the north of Glen Shiel and the A87 road between the heads of Loch Duich and Loch Cluanie, Glen Shiel, Strath Croe, Gleann Gaorsaic to the north and An Caorann Mòr to the east and Kintail via Glen Affric, Glenurquhart, Cannich to the east coast,

it is a way marked over a 44 mile route through low-level farmland, moorland and along magnificent lochs and tumbling rivers, ancient Caledonian pine forest, forest tracks and mountain passes, Linked with the Great Glen Way it can be extended either north to or from Inverness or south to or from Fort William, abundant with wildlife, leading onto a wild and remote upper glen, home to the UK’s remotest youth hostel, run by the Mountain Bothy Association, it is 8 miles from the nearest road and surrounded on both sides by long mountain chains which include some of the highest and finest peaks in the Western Highlands.

For the more adventurous of you can take in a few of the munros and corbetts on the way Tom a' Choinich and Toll Creagach,

These are the easiest of the Munro's to reach from Glen Affric, but still a substantial walk.

The two peaks are contrasting in character;

Toll Creagach is a very rounded mountain with mossy upper slopes,

Tom a' Choinich is a more shapely peak with rocky ridges.

• Other munros include

Sgurr na Lapaich it can be accessed either from Loch Mullardoch dam or from Loch Monar at the end of Glen Strathfarrer, with more challenging mountain footpaths,

when it rains the rivers, particularly those flowing into Loch Mullardoch from the north, swell very quickly and can make river crossings dangerous or impossible so be prepared for a long detour or to wait for the waters to clear away, it skirts the lower northern slopes of the five sisters of Kintail, you finish on the west coast at Morvich on the shores of Loch Shiel.

The 20,000-acre deer forest of Fasnakyle, is at the east end of Glen Affric

The red deer stag stalking season runs from 1 July to 20 October and the hind season from 21 October to 15 February.

Most commercial deer stalking involves hunting the stags, so takes place between August and October, within these defined seasons, however, each estate set there own stalking season, Therefore, you should always contact a sporting estate to ask about its stalking season before making plans.

Strong footwear, warm and waterproof clothing are a must for this route as you will be passing through some remote areas and the weather is liable to change at short notice, even in summer, you can help conserve this route by taking all rubbish away with you.

At present there are no stiles to cross on the route but there are a number of gates so please ensure they are closed properly after you pass through, Have Fun.

From Glen Urquhart you travel by car or motor bike 6 miles east of Inverness.

 Sign posted from the B9091, 300 yards east of Culloden Battlefield and visitors centre.

This was were the final confrontation of the Jacobite up rising took place on the 16th April 1745, you can walk on the battle field, explore the interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, and experience the battle in our immersive surround cinema, well worth a visit.

The Cairns are about 4,000 years old, and were built to house the dead.

The Clava Cairns comprise of part of two Bronze Age cemeteries.

Balnuaran of Clava and Milton of Clava, the landscape was an important place for ritual and burial activities in the Bronze Age.

The cairns at Balnuaran have a central chamber, with two outer cairns and entrance passages, the chamber in the centre one is enclosed and each cairn surrounded by a ring of standing stones, It would have taken a large number of people to build the Cairns, and many arduous hours to complete, the burial chambers were emptied long ago, but still worth the visit, Later burials at the site suggest continued significance for over a millennia.

The Clava Cairns are a type-site for a group of around 50 similar cairns found only in the region of the Moray Firth and Inverness.

The sites also contain a range of prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel.

The Cairns are Free to visit and open year-round, with Free parking.

The Glen Challenge is a walk, run or cycle activity through Glen Urquhart.
Whether you are a novis or a expert, this challenge has some thing for every one
Come along as a family or a group of friends or an athlete, this challenge will be a fun day for all to meet people make new friends and have a fun time.
The route is marshalled with regular watering and check points, anyone in need will be offered help by the support personnel and the support vehicle, which will follow the last people up to the finish line
The route follows quiet tracks, through farms and forests on the south side of Glen Urquhart with beautiful views over the north side of the glen with a mix of planted, conifer forest and native, broad leaved woodlands, rolling hill sides and farmsteads.
As you approach the Games Field at Blairbeg, the bag pipes will be playing at the finish line for you to finish the route to a Highland welcome and a medal for everyone when they cross the finishing line.

You can see seals after about 500m, great views, good paths and paths. Nevertheless, good shoes, because of moisture. At the end or at the starting point very beautiful beach. Hike can be extended individually

Gentle hike Around Loch Kernsary from Poolewe

Take the road to Ullapool, park at Tir Aluinn Hotel. First 400m high, then branches off to the right by a gate a driveway, first steep, then the trail gradually narrowed to a path to 400 Hm. Great views of several Munroes, undulating lonely mountain landscape. Descent into Glen Achal.

Down the lodge with the help of a ladder over a wall to a small suspension bridge, the path then leads through Glen Achall past Loch Achall to Ullapool. We hitchhiked the last 5km with a farmer's wife, which was not bad for us. Nice tour with great mountain scenery at the beginning and a comfortable way through the beautiful valley. From Ullapool (delicious fish and chips) back hitchhiking or bus to the starting point.

From Poolewe coastal road to the From the car park at the end of the road take the Coastal path, view the Beautiful rock field look out for the ww2 bunkers

Strathpuffer 24 Mountain Bike endurance GPS track, please note the track can change from year to year

Rules

1. Riders must compete on pedal bikes using human power.
2. Riders cannot accept outside mechanical assistance or parts on the course except from other competitors.
3. Riders may accept outside assistance and change parts at the designated service area.
4. Only one rider per team may compete at the same time.
5. Riders must 'dib' at the control on every completed lap.
6. Any riders/teams retiring must contact an official as soon as possible.
7. All riders must carry emergency food supplies, a whistle, survival blanket and an emergency light.
8. All riders must carry or wear appropriate clothing for warmth in the event.
9. All riders must carry a basic first aid kit. 
10. All competitors under-16 years must provide written permission from parents.
11. Any non-school competitors who will be under-14 during the event must contact the organiser's before entering. If entry is permitted by the organisers the competitor must be accompanied by an adult at all times whilst competing.

Lazy lock down ride from The Steading Country In to Corrimony Chambered Cairn on a nice sunny warm day. 

Corrimony chambered cairn, only a short ride from The Steading, is a great example of a Clava Cairn passage tomb. Parts of the Cairn have been restored, it is in many ways more complete than the more famous examples at Balnuaran of Clava.

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Starting at Fort William a Mecca for out door pursuits, and for those who want to tackle Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis at 4406 feet.

There are so many walks and mountain bike routes in the area, Lochs and waterfalls to see such as An Steall Ban waterfall just south of Ben Nevis, offering some awe inspiring beautiful scenery all the way to Fort Augustus at the south end of the loch at the village of Fort Augustus is a former Benedictine Abbey, part of which has been made into a heritage centre, well worth a visit for its exhibitions of the area's local history and peoples.

Home to Neptune's Staircase is a staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal, built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822, it is the longest staircase lock in Britain.

The system was originally hand-powered but has been converted to hydraulic operation, today a good place to spend a little time and watch the boats go up and down.

From here on, the road follows the Caledonian Canal, along Loch Lochy and through Glen Mor, along the busy A82 through Drumnadrochit, the main tourist route. You can stop at special designated places all of which are high above the loch with good for wide panoramic views and who knows, a distant view of the Loch Ness monster.

Here you will find the Loch Ness Monster exhibitions and Nessie information centres based at Drumnadrochit, you can buy souvenirs and learn about the history of sightings of this famous creature.

From Drumnadrochit you can access Glen Affric, Sited centrally within the Scottish Highlands National Nature Reserve, the 10,000 acre Glen Affric Estate is often considered to be amongst the most beautiful places in Scotland. a magical mix of native woods, glistening lochs and haunting moorland, it features over 30 miles of ancient pinewoods and is one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland near to the village of Cannich, north west of Loch Ness, and the south side of Loch Ness, with waymarked paths and Ranger service with some of the most remote walking in Scotland.

From Drumnadrochit continue along the A82 to the Highland capital of Inverness the northern most city in the United Kingdom, it lies within the Great Glen at its north eastern extremity where the River Ness, containing the largest volume of freshwater in the British Isles enters the Moray Firth. There are good coach, air, road and rail links, the Stagecoach bus connects the airport to Inverness, The Inverness Airport doesn't resemble your typical commercial airline airport, it is small with two major airlines Flybe and Easy Jet connecting you to and from regional UK cities such as Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, New Castle, Bristol, and the Republic of Ireland, the view arriving and departing into Inverness is stunning as you see Moray Firth or Cairngorms National Park.

This is a cosmopolitan city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do both in and around the city, the city boasts a host of historic buildings, and the the Old Town, browse city shops and visit the Victorian Market then take a walk along the river and through the Ness Islands where you can watch anglers casting long lines to leaping Atlantic salmon.

From Inverness take the A96 to Nairn an ancient fishing port and market town around 17 miles east of Inverness.

From Nairn take the A939 to Granton on spey beside the river Spey at the northern edge of the Cairngorm mountains, about 20 miles south east of Inverness, home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species, it has a large upland plateau, the views are stunning and the road goes up and down, the region contains Scotland’s largest, most natural habitats, and is home to the country’s most ambitious landscape-scale nature conservation action the Cairngorms National Park, explore the nature and wildlife found in the mountainous trails of Tolmount, or relax on the beach of Loch Morlich The villages and towns in the Park have networks of community paths and trails, giving you a taste of the unique landscapes, nature, and heritage, most of the Old Military Road through Cairngorms is dual lane with narrower spots; One of the most famous is the Gairnshiel Bridge, only one vehicle at the time is able to cross.

north over the Lecht an ascent is 6 km long, over this distance, you climb 256 height meters this climb is amazing! the climb starts a few kilometres after Colnabaichin at a place called Cock Bridge, as you cross the bridge you are greeted by a sign saying 20% and the road shooting up into the sky like a wall.

First you have about 1km of 15-20% with a few semi-hairpins, you then get about 300m of slightly downhill before it picks up again for another 1.5km at ~15%.

As you go over the shoulder this is the highest point of the climb, there is then a small down hill and up hill into the ski centre

starting at Pitlochry, over to Glen Shee and into Braemar, then up and over the the Lecht and dropping down into Nethy Bridge, the bottom of the Lecht is very steep, the last section just requires you to keep a good rhythm.

There is also a nice long descent into Tomnitoul and Grantown to Colnabaichin, to a simple give-way T junction on to the A944, an area steeped in history; visitors can discover stories of the past at Corgarff and Glenbuchat Castles and explore the Doune of Invernochty, traverses the hills and moors from the Braes of Glenlivet, over the Ladder Hills to Bellabeg in the Donside Valley, used by whisky smugglers in the latter half of the 18th century, when a series of Government imposed whisky taxes led to a high level of illicit distilling

continue on the A944 onto the A97 to Glenkindie to Drumnahive and Mossat, turn right onto the A944 to the Bridge of Alford and Alford a large village in Aberdeenshire south of the River Don, surrounded by the hills of Bennachie and Coreen, there are two museums, a narrow gauge railway and a huge country park area walks, a historic battlefield, a golf course and a caravan and camping site.

Continue on the A944 to Aberdeen, the City stands at the gateway to Scotland's Castle and Whisky Country on the north east of Scotland and is famed for its links to agriculture, fishing and production of fine food, surrounded by pure air and spectacular scenery,famed for its granite buildings and elegant architecture,

along side a modern cosmopolitan city, with a thriving cultural scene, shopping and restaurants.

Here you will find Aberdeen Airport opened in 1934 with the discovery of North Sea oil in 1967, it soon became a major centre for helicopter activities linking oil rigs to the mainland, as well as business and leisure flights, today an international airport, located at Dyce, a suburb of Aberdeen, approximately 5 nautical miles north west of Aberdeen city centre.

From here you can take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland, stunning landscape of perfect sandy beaches and sweeping moorland studded with glittering lochans, overlooked by some of Scotland's most remarkable mountains, individual peaks each with great character from rural islands and the ever changing landscape will take your breath away, take the opportunity to admire Scotland's dramatically beautiful Highlands and lochs in the comfort of your own vehicle and at your own pace

Scotland is home to a wealth of sights and sounds from internationally renowned contemporary bands and classical musicians gracing stages around the world, from Celtic music, bag pipe, Gaelic music and song, folk music, story telling, to pop and rock from intimate gigs to massive arenas, one of Scotland's biggest jazz events the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is generally held over ten days during the summer months, every year people gather from all over the world to enjoy the sound.

Through Scotland's bloody turbulent past the ancient clans, Picts, Romans Vikings, buildings, Highlands and Lowlands have fundamentally changed each generation adding their own cultural thumb print, along with traditional to international food and drink creating a unique and vibrant country that is Scotland today.

Scottish Gaelic: Mòrag, a Scottish female name,

Morag, believed by some to live in Loch Morar, Scotland.

After Nessie, she is among the most written about of Scotland's legendary monsters.

Loch Morar, This is the deepest loch, 100m deeper than the Ness and 4 times as deep as Wastwater in the Lake District being 3 miles long, half a mile wide and 260 feet deep, around the Loch you will find little coves, mini beaches and various other little stopping points. the views over to the mountains on the other side are spectacular and ever changing as the clouds roll in and out, you can walk from Morar station along the loch to Tarbet, where you can catch the ferry back to Mallaig.

The first three miles are along the road and then after that a clear path, it is so beautiful and peaceful, with the route following a right next to the loch on a rocky path, to find the Loch leave the main road south of Mallaig and join a single track road with “passing places, well worth the short detour in the car off the main route from Arisaig to Mallaig to take in this wonderful location.

Starting at Fort William take the A82 to the Junction onto the A830 to Banavie, Corpach, past Loch Eil, through Fassfern, Kinlocheil, Drumsallie, Glenfinnin, past LochEilt, through Ranochan, Arieiskill, Lochailort, past Loch Ailort and Loch Nan Uamb, through Druimindarroch, to Arisaig,

Fort William and Lochaber are the Outdoor Capital of the UK, with Fort William itself being at the heart of Lochaber, close to the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, whilst to the south is Glen Coe, a Mecca for hill-walkers and mountaineers.

The region becomes wilder and less visited to the north, culminating in the peninsula of Knoydart, one of the most rugged parts of Britain. There are softer landscapes too, from the popular lochs of the Great Glen to Ardnamurchan and its fabulous sea scape's, geology, minerals and fossil sand and Loch Morar, home to the other lesser celeb Monster, Nessy cousin Morag, this is a natural centre of a very large area and the focus of the road and rail routes across the region,

From Arisaig continue on the A830 to Morar with its twists and turns and narrow single track road to this small village on the west coast 3 miles south of Mallaig, The centre of the village is marked by the Morar Hotel on one side of the road and the railway station on the other.

There are a number of places here to park and simply explore the beaches and islets of the bay, the coastline begins in the south at the hamlets of Back of Keppoch and Bunacaimb, further north again there is a parking area at Camusdarach, from where a path leads to the magnificent dunes lining this part of the coastline, the road twists 

inland towards Kinsadel as it skirts the beaches on the estuary of the River Morar and loch Morar on the B8008 past swordland Lodge located on the northern shore of Loch Morar, at Swordland, which lies approximately half a mile south of Tarbet, on Loch Nevis, it was set up by Winston Churchill and Hugh Dalton during World War II, with the remit to engage the enemy by means other than direct confrontation Operational from June, 1940, they employed some 13,000 agents by way of direct control, with up to 1 million being directly or indirectly supported worldwide.

The A830, which is actually only a part of that historic route, connects the town of Fort William to the port of Mallaig.

During World War II, it became a No-Go area after being requisitioned and then closed for security, after SOE transferred its activities to Arisaig House, Inverailort castle became a Commando training school.

Many other country houses in the area were requisitioned to provide accommodation and training facilities for the men and women who were to serve in the Special Operations Executive.

From swordland carry on to the Loch past Bracorina, Tarbet and Bracora.

From the roundabout take the A9 route over the Kessock bridge across the Beauly Firth to the Black Isle, through North Kessock, Artafallie, Arpafeelie to the Tore roundabout, take the A9 turning to Duncanston and over the Cromarty Bridge cutting a dozen or more miles off the A9 route north, and bypassing towns such as Beauly, Muir of Ord and Dingwall, it significantly shortens the route north from Inverness.

Built in 1979, the whole structure is about a mile and a half long, terminating in a roundabout with the A862 on the north shore, continue on the A9 through Drummand and Evanton to the B9176 to Contullich, here you will find Contullich Castle found a few miles north-west of the town of Alness, on the eastern side of the county of Ross-shire, Scotland, believed to date back the 11th century,situated on the west side of Contullich farm-house.

It was taken down around 1826, the stones were used for building the farm-house and steading, Human remains were found here inside the walls.

From Contullich continue on the B9176 through this historic region, north, with the counties of Ross-shire and Cromartyshire, Ross-shire being the larger of the two counties, including all of Lewis and most of Ross and Cromarty on the Scottish mainland, Ross itself comprises the traditional regions of Wester Ross, on the Atlantic coast, and Easter Ross, on the North Sea coast.

The County is beautifully and remote its possible to spend an entire day walking without ever seeing another person on the hill beside you, you may be able to catch sight of eagles, deer, pine marten, dragonflies, and other rare animals and insects.

This region is full of Stone circles and cairns that provide evidence of the area’s prehistoric occupation and the Pictish kingdom with carved memorial stones and crosses, round stone towers known as brochs, or “Pictish towers,” and underground stone houses called weems, or “Picts’ houses.”

The Gaelic Lords of the Isles dominated the Atlantic coast from the 12th century to the 15th century, when the kings of Scotland secured control over the entire region.

During the 18th century in this region the government reduced the power of the clan chiefs and cleared the way for acquisition of much of the land by outsiders, who forcibly evicted thousands of crofters in the Highland clearances forcing large-scale emigration to create large sheep-farming estates.

Today the development of Tourism offers some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery of the Scottish Highlands, its very remoteness means that it is relatively quiet and peaceful even at the height of the summer months.

The B9176 continues through Achandunie, Dalnavie, Easter Ardross to Sittenhham, Kincardin, Ardgay and over Bonner Bridge, take the A836 to Invershin, passed Klye of Sutherland a natural tidal river estuary, tributaries and burns with 61 named fresh water lochs, it flows into the Dornoch Firth and is fed by the rivers Oykel, Shin, River Cassley and Carron, the downstream extent of the Kyle of Sutherland is the Bonar Bridge, the upstream end of 'the Kyle' as it is locally known, is the furthest inland extent of tidal water, which corresponds to 'the bailey bridge', beyond Rosehallits, these are wild, rugged rivers, which offer a wealth of salmon angling fishing amongst some of the most stunningly scenic backdrops in the Highlands, here you can stop and admire the natural wonders like the Rogie Falls and Corrieshalloch Gorge, then sail out to explore the windswept isles of Lewis and Harris, spot dolphins around the coast, stroll the sandy beaches and visit fascinating ancient sites like the Callanish Standing Stones and Carloway Broch, see the Sound of Taransay – a remote and windswept island that was made famous for hosting the British TV programme, Castaway and stroll along beautiful Lusekentyre Beach.

From Invershin continue through Achinduich, were you will find the remains of a double stone circle, the outer ring now consists of five stones approximately 1m high, with only the western arc that still remains, the inner circle has only three stones that survive with the tallest standing to approximately 0.8m, the monument is of national importance as the remains are of a rare double stone circle and part of a major complex of prehistoric remains in Achany Glen.

From Achinduich continue on the A836 to Lairg, to the Junction at Dalchork for the A838 to Colaboll, a wild beautiful region, traverses the ancient and geologically fascinating landscape offering some of most striking hill scenery in Scotland, comparable to the better known Torridonian Sandstone hills of Assynt, on the clearest days, the cone of Morven is visible across large stretches of the Northern Highlands, from Hoy and even from south of the Moray Firth, Mormond Hill in Buchan is a fine example, a quartzite residual rising from the surrounding granitic and metamorphic rocks, the roads are mostly single track sweeping through sublime Glen Oykle, with an ever-changing landscape that will take your breath away, from the mountains and lochs to rugged sea cliffs, take your bike and cycle through the incredible scenery of northern Scotland on winding tarmac and single track roads past towering mountains, sandy beaches and rolling wilderness.

From Colaboll continue on the A838 through Corriekinloch passing Loch A Ghriama a small but beautiful and remote loch, it is the next loch after Loch Shin if you are heading north though the glen it turns east at this point and Loch a'Ghriama runs east-west, the road is usually very quiet and this makes for a lovely easy walk along the loch side, with fishing for wild brown trout on Loch Shin, Loch a’Ghriama and Loch Merkland, from here every road is a beautiful journey through remote Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland, stay on the A838 to the Laxford Bridge a stone arch bridge in Sutherland, which carries the A838 across the River Laxford north to Rhiconich and Durness. 

The bridge was built about 1834 by the Dukes of Sutherland the road from Lairg, one of the destitution roads built during the potato famine, not being completed until 1851, the bridge is a category B listed building.

From the Bridge you can continue on to Loch Laxford, the name "Laxford" derives from the Norse for "salmon fjord", the river is well known for its salmon and fly fishing, the area is an important geological region and forms part of the North West Sutherland National Scenic Area, one of 40 such areas in Scotland, areas of exceptional scenery that are protected by restricting certain forms of development.

From here you can continue on both North and South picking up the North coast 500.

This two-day route can be adapted either as a short trip for a night at the tiny Lairig Leacach bothy at the foot of Stob Ban in the Grey Corries, or extended to include a more strenuous ascent of the fine peaks of Stob Coire Easain and Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin, together known as the Easains.

To complete the full round it’s necessary to leave a car at the car park at the north end of Loch Treig, at the end of the road signposted for Fersit, the usual setting off point for the traverse of these two Munros.

The starting point is at a small parking area at the end of a very rough and potholed track leading from Coirechoille, near Spean Bridge.

The track crosses the Allt Leachdach winding its way gently up through the Lairig Leacach ( the pass of the flagstones )

following the route of an old drove road from the Great Glen south over the pass and down until the shapely peak of Stob Ban (the white peak) comes into view with the bothy nestling below.

This is a popular stop for Munro baggers with sleeping platforms, always follow the Bothy Code.

Wester Ross, in the North West Highlands of Scotland has some of the finest coastal and mountain scenery in the UK, stretching from Lochcarron in the south to Ullapool in the north and,

located only an hour or two from Inverness, capital of the highlands with all transport links to access this region, easily accessible by car, motorcycle, ranked as one of the real contenders for a truly great biking country, perfect for those wishing to get away

from it all, with amazing scenery, diverse countryside and thousands of miles of quiet yet stunning roads.

The weather is not always great but the ride and your visit will make it well worth it, here you will find towering mountains, sandy beaches galore, sea and hill lochs, rich forests and wild open moorland, fine beaches, sheltered sea lochs, meandering woodland paths and a couple of very good sea watching sites nearby.

From Gairloch you take the A832 through Charlestown, Kerrysdale, past Loch Bad on Sgalaig, Sattadale, past Loch Maree, whatever the weather, the views are just spectacular, here you will find Beinn Eighe with a woodland walk with amazing views over Loch Maree and the surrounding countryside.

Carry on the A832 through Talladale, Letterewe, Taagan and Anancaun.

The main village nestles along the North East shoreline of Loch Gair along with the village of Achnasheen a wild isolated village that was at one time a drovers' stop where cattle were driven to market from the surrounding areas, Kinlochewe at the head of Loch Ewe, renowned for its geological features the most famous of which, the Moine Thrust that runs through Kinlochewe and Glen Torridon, Gairloch the village is the largest in Wester Ross and one of the most popular, Out to the west is Loch Gairloch and the Inner Minch with the Isles of Rona, Skye, Longa and the Western Isles on the horizon, offering the visitor some awesome sunsets and sunrises,

to the east beyond Loch Maree is one of Scotland last great wilderness areas, the Fisherfield Forest, and to the south the views of the peaks of Flowerdale and Shieldaig and the majestic Torridons, the village of Poolewe is situated at the head of Loch Ewe around the River Ewe which drains into Loch Ewe from Loch Maree.

Home to the Great Wilderness Challenge, an annual gruelling and endurance event for charity with a 25 mile, a 13 mile and a 7 mile route, with over 500 participants taking part every year and growing, the event to date has raised over £3.1 million for charity, the village of Aultbea is home of the Loch Ewe Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland, and a NATO base for large naval ships and submarines to come inshore to refuel, the village of Laide offers views of the Summer Isles and Gruinard Island and the mountains beyond.

Kinlochewe lies some two miles south east of the head of Loch Maree.

The A832 from Gairloch follows the south west side of the loch before passing through Kinlochewe, past The Heights of Kinlochewe, a circular walk that winds up to the eventually view Mount Siloch from Loch Fada, then past the small hamlet of Leckie, the lands of Leckie were Crown Property until the reign of Robert the Bruce. The oldest title deeds are dated between 1352 and 1359, during which the lands of Wester Leckie were transferred from the Crown to Malcolm de Leky who was a descendant of the Earl of Lennox.

Easter Leckie passed through a number of hands, and was not transferred to the Leckies of Leckie until 1617, when both Easter and Wester Leckie came into the possession of Alexander Leckie, by that time it is thought that Old Leckie House had been built on Wester Leckie, the A832 then enters Glen Docherty on route to Achnasheen past loch Chroisg a long 3 mile long, open loch holding both pike and perch with bank fishing only, in the winter months freezing mists gather on the loch causing some of the lowest temperatures recorded in all of Scotland.

From Achnasheen follow the A832 past Loch Achanalt part of many lochs of the River Conon system in this region including Loch Ussie, Loch Achonachie, Loch Luichart, Loch Garve and Loch Glascarnoch. All of these lochs contain pike, and can generally be fished for just a few pounds per day with permits available through local outlets or estate offices.

Continue on to Grudie, Lochluichart to Corston at the junction take the A835 to Garbat, Inchbae, Lubfeam, Aultguish, to Loch Glascarnoch were you will find Beinn Liath Mhor a'Ghiubhais Li, a rounded Corbett walking from Loch Glascarnoch with fine views from the summit.

Carry on past Loch Glascarnoch on the A835 past Loch Droma, a man made reservoir

the Sgurr Mor from Loch Droma is a walking route up Sgurr Mor is a circuit up over Beinn Liath Mor Fannaich, on to the pointed summit of Sgurr Mor and down over Meall a Chrasgaidh.

Continue on the road to Lochdrum, Braemore, Auchindream, Inverbroom one of the most beautiful Glens on the west coast, half a mile from the head of Loch Broom and 8 miles from the idyllic fishing town of Ullapool and Inverael with the Lael Forest Garden and forest walk, by Lochbroom.

From Loch Broom return to the junction and take the A832 to Dundonnell through Camusnagaul, Badbea, past Little Loch Broom Drunamuck, Rireavach and

Badluchrach, to mungasdale on the A832, this region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, here you will find some spectacular mountains, whether they are Munros, Corbetts, Grahams or mere hills, the Fannaichs, Sgurr Mhor, Beinn Dearg and the great An Teallach for the more adventurous Strathvaich and Strathrannoch are about 20 miles from Broomview, which form the main access for the Corbett, Beinn a' Chaisteil [Strath Vaich], and the Grahams, Meall a' Chaorainn [Easter Ross] and Carn Loch nan Amhaichean, even when the weather is not so bright and sunny, there is 

plenty to enjoy. For example, the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach are especially fine after a wet spell in the winter, or when the snows have melted, there is a lot of walking & photography in and around the local area and plenty of wildlife-watching both inland and loch or sea for eagles, seals, otters and pine martins.

Explore the amazing rocks and landscapes along the Rock Route as you travel through the Geopark.

The North West Highlands Geopark is a community company limited by guarantee and a charity in Scotland.

The board comprises 7 community directors, one from each of the community councils within the Geopark who work alongside the other office bearers, directors and staff.

The North West Highlands Global Geopark hosts a wide range of rock formations covering two thirds of the Earth’s history, each rock type inspires its own distinctive landscape of world class quality and significance, with stunning mountain landscapes, sandy beaches, ancient settlements, and remote communities.

The North West Highlands Geopark is one of 68 partners in the European Geoparks Network (EGN). Established in 2000, the EGN aims to protect geodiversity, to promote geological heritage and support sustainable economic development primarily through the development of geological tourism.

From Mungasdale continue on the A832 to Little Gruinard, past Gruinard Bay, trough Laide, Drumchork, past Loch Braid Luachraidh, through Tuirnaig, Londubh, along Loch Ewe on the A832 past Loch Tallaidh back to Gairloch.

This is a great place for a Motorcycle Road ride in the quiet and calm of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, explore the islands peace and tranquillity, its majestic seascapes, bird life, and wild flowers, visit clan castles, battle sites, and the standing stones left by ancient civilisations.

Balivanich is a village found on route around the main centre for Benbecula and the adjacent islands of North Uist, South Uist and several smaller islands, this a great base from which to explore the surrounding islands, ride the connected causeways to Benbecula, North Uist, and Berneray, the west coast is mostly flat, but you'll find Beinn Mhòr on the east side worth a climb for the spectacular views of the beautiful Outer Hebridean Islands of Scotland from the summit ridge, visit some of the West Coast's most memorable islands and attractions, with its quaint shops, numerous restaurants and cafes

The island's nature reserve has one of the UK's most important breeding population of waders: redshank, dunlin, lapwing, and ringed plover.

Meall Glas is a mountain situated in the southern highlands of Scotland. It stands on the northern border of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, 8.5 kilometres north east of Crianlarich, with a height of 3,146 feet, it is the highest point

between Glen Dochart and Glen Lochay, the ascent is possible from either glen with over 30km of distance and over 3000m of ascent on fairly rough pathless ground with some long sustained steep ascents, this route can be a serious undertaking.

However the varied terrain and changing views keep the interest up and the route feels easier and takes less time than expected.

Inverness is well served with transport links by rail, road and the airport offering direct flights to Inverness with British Airways, KLM, Flybe and Easyjet available to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Luton, Amsterdam, Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, Manchester and the Islands, many of which are international airports with global connections, with local transport connections to Inverness are available from outside the airport terminal building, the airport is about 10 minutes from the city centre, making it is easy for visitors from all parts of the globe to get close to Loch Ness one of the iconic global destinations and beyond,

From Inverness follow the route to the A82 tourist route past the river Ness and along Loch Ness, through Dochgarroch, here you will find the Boat company Jacobite Cruises, who take people along Loch Ness to Urquhart castle home to the local celeb Nessy, the lochs on the Caledonian Canal were built by Thomas Telford, they are very wide, built to accommodate steam ships, the route never did gain its intended traffic as by the time of completion the coming of the railways were beginning to render canals redundant, but the canal is a huge benefit to Highlands tourism today finishing at Dochgarroch.

Continue on the A82 through Lairgmore, Lochend, Abriachan, and Drumnadrochit, located at the head of Urquhart Bay on the northern shore of Loch Ness,popular with Loch Ness monster hunters, Drumnadrochit becomes Lewiston, a planned village created in 1769. Not far beyond Lewiston you should watch out for the turning to the car park for the ruin of Urquhart Castle standing on a stubby peninsula projecting a short distance into Loch Ness with its intriguing shape reflecting the irregular out crop of rock on which it was built and turns the corner into Urquhart Bay.

From Urquhart Castle continue on the A82 along the Loch side through Lenie, Bunloit, Balbeg, Alltsigh to the Junction onto the A887 through Invermoriston, Dalchriechart and Levishie situated just above the south end of Loch Ness, in the heart of the Great Glen, with many trails and walks awaiting visitors to this peaceful spot, including part of the 73-mile long walking path The Great Glen Way,

Continue on the A887 to Dundreggan, and Tomchrasky, at the Junction continue onto the A87 past Loch Cluanie, at the south-east end of Glen Shiel a reservoir, contained behind the Cluanie Dam, a large moorland reservoir holds good numbers of pike for bank Fishing by permit only.

Completed in 1957 as part of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board's Glenmoriston project to generate hydroelectricity, water feeds the dam from the west via two flows, from a tunnel from the dammed Loch Loyne and via the River Moriston.

Continue on through Torrlaighseach to Sheil bridge a village on the south east shore of Loch Duich at the foot of Glen Shiel, in the Lochalsh area, the A87 road passes through the village, continuing on along the north coast of Loch Duich, passing Dornie and Eilean Donan a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, with a picturesque castle that frequently appears in photographs, film, then through Nostie and Kirkton on to Kyle of Lochalsh.

The western part of Lochalsh is the extensive Balmacara estate owned by the National Trust for Scotland. This landscape has no great towering peaks, but instead it has a mixed crofting landscape with fine natural woodland, this softer landscape contrasts with the majestic mountains further inland.

Kyle of Lochalsh is on the mainland and not actually part of Skye, Kyle, with fantastic public transport links, buses from here go all over Skye and to Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The rail link to Inverness, one of the country’s most beautiful train journeys and a busy harbour and small visitor’s pontoon with fuel and water available.

From Kyle of Lochalsh the A87 continues over the Skye bridge over Loch Alsh, built between 1992 until 1995.

Prior to the opening of the bridge the main route to Skye was by the ferry between the 2 villages Kyle of Lochalsh on the Mainland and Kyleakin on Skye, the ferry service was operated by Caledonian MacBrayne the short route of about 500m and took about 5 minuets.

Once on Skye continue on the A87 all the way to Uigg here you will find as you travel through amazing scenery, History, Castles, villages, munros, beautiful beaches, diverse countryside and miles of stunning roads, the weather is not always great but the ride through this Island will make it well worth it, continuing on the A87 through Ashaig, Skulamus, Harrapool, Broadford, Scalpay HO, Duncan, Luib, Sligachan, Camastianavaig, Drumuie, Brove, Kensaleyre, Eyre, Kingsburgh, Cuidrach, Earlish, to Uig and the ferry terminal to the Isle of Harris, visit the remote areas, stunning back roads and one of the beautiful beaches to find puffin colonies, head out on a boat trip and see basking sharks, minke and killer whales and otter spotting, you can see St Kilda from the west coast, climb An Clisham, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, or explore the history of the island's, an inspiring and truly stunning region of ancient landscapes and Beautiful scenery to explore and discover at your own pace.

Starting in the Highland Capital of Inverness take the B865 over the North Kesssock bridge onto the A9 to the Tore roundabout, continue on the A9 through Duncanston, Drummond, Dalmore, Achnagarron, Tomich, Delney, Kildary, Aldie, Tain, Morangie, Clashmore, Evilix, Poles, Culmaily, Golspie, Brora, Lothbeg, Lothmore, Portgower, Helmsdale, Navidale, Ousdale, Berriedale, Newport, Dunbeath, Inver, Latheronwheel onto the A99 through Forse, Swiney, Occumster, Mid Ciyth, Ulbster, Thrumster, Wick, Ackergill, Reis, Keiss, Auckengill and Freswick to Gills Bay located near the community of Gills approximately 3 miles west of John o' Groats, on the way passing Coastlines visiting castles and cathedrals full of history, standing on remote beaches, taking a stroll along the many tracks found on this route, whisky tasting in ancient and modern breweries, stopping for a bite to eat in the many type of food outlets found in the Scottish Highlands using the local produce from the land and the sea and staying in accommodation from a castle to a bothy to suite all budgets.

Gills Bay has one of Caithness's longest stretches of picturesque low lying rocky coast line along its northern shores.

The harbour and the coastline are teaming with wildlife, from wild sea birds to huge basking sharks, with the largest animal population of Common and Grey Seals which are known to swim into the harbour to bask on the rocks.

Orkney is remote mysterious and sparsely populated with history stretching back 6,000 years long before the Egyptians began the pyramids, Neolithic man built a vast temple complex at the top of what is now Scotland, prehistoric sites with a large number of tombs and the astonishing Ness of Brodgar stone circles, along with the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, known as Skara Brae all waiting to be discovered,

The Island is 10 miles north of the coast of Caithness, easily accessible seven days a week, by ferry departing from Gills Bay the fastest ferry route to the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, arriving in St Margaret’s Hope, a mesmerizing and beautiful landscape

The ferry ride is a great adventure across the North Sea, quite relaxing and pleasant when the weather is agreeable the crew are very courteous and helpful.

The view is incredible as the boat weaves its way through some of the 70 islands that make up Orkney, if you have your car onboard then this is the quickest and cheapest way to cross, the crossing will take about an hour and takes around 40 minutes from the ferry to reach the capital Kirkwall.

There are also frequent crossings from Scrabster and Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, as well as from Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, north of the Orkney archipelago.

The islands wildlife attracts many visitors to the area with around 15% of the world’s seal population living here, every year between May and August, the islands are flocked by puffins and visitors.

This route has spectacular winding roads that are a joy for motorcycle enthusiasts, the route varies in length and offers a scenic alternative to main trunk roads and motorways, all these scenic routes can also be done in reverse, or by taking an alternative road.

 The Moray area enjoys a particularly favourable climate as it benefits from the warmth of the Gulf Stream, Findhorn Bay is a popular sailing location, and offers water sports activities and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, or take the spectacular world-class white water rafting on the river Findhorn,

 Starting at the Findhorn Foundation is a Scottish charitable trust registered in 1972, formed by the spiritual community at the Findhorn Echo village, one of the largest intentional communities in Britain, it has been home to thousands of residents from more than 40 countries.

The Foundation runs various educational programmes, it also houses about 40 community businesses such as the Findhorn Press and an alternative medicine centre.

Take the B9011 heading for Rafford, here you will find the popular walking and cycling route which follows the old railway between Grantown and Forres, the woodland and lochs attracts deer, badgers, foxes, hundreds of birds including Osprey who visit for a trout or two and wonderful wildlife that visit and stay in the woods,

There are many interesting features along the way, the Dallas Dhu Distillery Visitor Centre is part of the Speyside Whisky Trail and allows visitors to learn about the traditional craft of Whisky production, the river Findhorn has some fantastic salmon fishing.

The Dava Way takes you directly into Forres, a beautiful historic town that has award-winning gardens and the famous Grant Park, that hosts events throughout the year including Forres Theme Day, Forres Highland Games and the European Pipe Band Championships.

Continuing through Rafford B9010 Dallas a small rural village in Moray, 9 miles south west of Elgin, it holds an ambitious village Gala every July in which local girls are picked to be the Gala Queen and her attendants, it attracts many visitors from surrounding areas, the village was relocated to its present site in 1811, the church dates from 1793 and Dallas Lodge from 1901, to the north stands the remains of Tor Castle built in 1400 by Sir Thomas Cumming of Altyre and a mediaeval mercat cross can be found here a remnant of an earlier kirkton settlement.

From Dallas take the sign for Upper Knockando, a 15 minute drive south west of Dallas on the B102 to Ballindalloch on the A95, heading inland past distilleries and castles,to the bridge of Avon, the old bridge is today a pedestrian walkway leading to a attractive Scottish baronial gatehouse for Ballindalloch Castle, for almost two centuries this attractive stone bridge was the only route across the River Avon, or A'an in Gaelic at Ballindalloch, the bridge was built in 1800 and it lasted until the new road bridge was built in 1991, just a few paces away from the old bridge.

At the bridge of Avon,Take the B9008 through Dalchirach, Craggan to Drumin part of a small settlement in the North East highlands of Scotland. It sits at the junction of

Glenlivet and Strathavon, although it formed part of Banffshire before the local authority reorganisations in the 1970's.

Drumin lies within the parish of Inveravon and is situated on a terrace above the confluence of the Rivers Livet and Avon, Drumin lies within the Glenlivet Estate, which is owned by the Crown Estate, the lands of Glenlivet and Strathavon had been possessions of the Dukes of Gordon, and latterly Richmond and Gordon, since they were acquired from the Grandson of Alexander Stewart in 1490, this was the first in the district to set up a small legal still, over the centuries from a shaky beginning grew the famous Minmore Distillery and "The Glenlivet" Whisky.

From Glenlivet a 5 minuet drive away is Tomnavoulin Speyside which are approximately 44 and 59 miles respectively from central Speyside, it accommodates over 50 fantastic distilleries, today part of the Moray district, Tomnavoulin was one of the distilleries built in the whisky boom of the early 1960s when demand was so far outstripping supply that new facilities had to be constructed, built by Invergordon Distillers producing Bruichladdich, Tullibardine and Jura, these driving routes will take you through some of the country's most awe-inspiring landscapes, and you'll find plenty of fantastic attractions and charming towns and villages to visit along the way.

Continue on the B9008 to Tomintoul

The Tomintoul-Glenlivet Distillery is a distillery in Ballindalloch, in the Speyside region of Scotland, producing malt whisky for blends and bottled as single malts, the distillery was founded in 1964, it doubled in capacity when two extra stills were installed in 1974, and started bottling single malt whisky in that year, it produces a range of single malts of different ages, a peated malt, and a vintage malt

From Tomintoul take the A939 to Cock Bridge and to the Bridge of Gairn, the on to Ballater.

Ballater is a burgh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland Lying eight miles along the River , immediately east of the Cairngorm Mountains, it is a centre for out door pursuites, here you will find a rich history and royal connections, Balmoral Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family,explore the regions royal heritage and take in breathtaking countryside views, here you will find the Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies and known for its spring water,

Following on from Ballater on the A93 you will find the village of Spittal and Glenshee, 13 miles away and 6 miles away on a small road to the west is the small village of Inverey.

Taking in routes along the Highlands of Scotland has to rank as one of the real contenders for a truly great biking country, amazing scenery and diverse countryside, literally thousands of miles of quiet, winding, strait, and single track stunning roads. The weather is not always great but the ride and your visit will make it well worth the trouble.

The M90 is a motorway in Scotland, It runs from junction 1a of the M9, at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge, to Perth, passing Dunfermline and Kinross on the way, it is the most northerly motorway in the United Kingdom, the northernmost point being a spur into the western suburbs of Perth at Broxden.

Take the A90 over the Firth of Forth bridge queens ferry to Inverkiething on the B980 onto the M90 to Kinross, here you will find Loch Leven Castle is a ruined castle on an island in Loch Leven, in the Perth and Kinross, the castle was the location of military action during the Wars of Scottish Independence. In the latter part of the 14th century, the castle was granted by his uncle to William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, and remained in the family s hands for the next 300 years. Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned here in 1567–1568, and forced to abdicate as queen, before escaping with the help of her gaoler's family, the county town of Kinross, is situated at junction 6 on the M90 providing easy access from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Perth.
Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Loch Leven, the largest loch of the Scottish Lowlands, declared a nature reserve in 1964, the loch attracts around 20,000 pink-footed geese every autumn.

This is truly a great biking country with amazing scenery, diverse countryside and literally thousands of miles of quiet windy and long stretches of stunning roads, the weather is not always great but the ride and your visit will be well worth it.

Kinross-shire, Scotland is a beautiful county bordered by Perthshire, Fife and Clackmannanshire, set amidst gently rolling hills it is the ideal location for hillwalking, golf, cycling, fishing, bird watching or just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Scotland.

Continue on the M90 to Perth You can seek adventure or relaxation in Highland Perthshire, this is a shopping and culture city, delve into the past with our huge number of historical attractions, there are gardens to explore, lochs to sail on and trails to walk, known for our fun-filled events, from music festivals to foodie feasts and family fun days out.

From Perth the route becomes inspiring a truly stunning region of ancient landscapes! Beautiful scenery and history comes standard up here, from Perth and everywhere in between, this is whisky country, on this route for the motorcyclist explore and discover at your own pace, with on some awesome roads! wide open and remote spaces, hundreds of miles of quiet roads. Stunning scenery on your very own whisky trail, grab a map and start creating

From Perth take the A9 to Dunkeld and Birnam these are two adjacent towns in Perth and Kinross, they lie on opposite banks of the River Tay, approximately 4 miles south-east of Pitlochry, the towns were first linked by a bridge built in 1809 by Thomas Telford, the two places lie close to the Highland Boundary Fault, which marks the geological boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands, and are frequently described as the "Gateway to the Highlands" due to their position on the main road and rail lines north.

Through the Cairngorms National Park covering covers the Cairngorms range of mountains,with wide open and remote spaces, miles of Stunning scenery and awesome roads, with more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine, the park in north east Scotland, was established in 2003, it was the second of two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament, after Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park,, and surrounding hills was set up in 2002 today the largest national park in the British Isles, in 2010 it expanded into Perth and Kinross.

Continue on the A9 to Dalwhinnie "Meeting Place" is a small village in the Scottish Highlands. Dalwhinnie is located at the head of Glen Truim and the north-east end of Loch Ericht, on the western edge of the Cairngorms National Park, here you will find Scotland's highest distillery is the little known Braeval Distillery, in the Braes of Glenlivet, the second highest distillery in Scotland, a beautifully kept white-painted complex of buildings stand out for miles as you approach Dalwhinnie on the A9, which bypassed the village in the late 1970s.

From Dalwhinnie continuing on this route through the small villages of Etteridge, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig, Aivie, Inverdruie, to the town of Avimore, the region has Five of the UK's six highest mountains lie inside the park, and there are 55 Munros, mountains over 3,000 ft and huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls, browse the bookshops and bars in Aviemore the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world, and the darkest in the UK with Skiing in winter, walking and hiking in the summer,

From Avimore take the A95 to Boat of Garton lying adjacent to the mighty River Spey, an area of outstanding natural beauty, a place to explore the surrounding countryside or simply unwind.

Abundant wildlife, magnificent scenery, many sporting and leisure activities, golf at the James Braid designed 18-hole golf course, fishing the Spey, cycling on excellent tracks and quiet roads for fantastic motorcycling.

continuing on the A95 from Boat of Garton, through Drumuillie, Sky of Curr, Dulnain bridge, Spey bridge, to Granton on Spey

From Granton on Spey take the A393 to Upper Derraid through Cottertownn and Claschoil,on the edge of the spectacular Situated halfway between the Cairngorm and Lecht ski areas, the town is surrounded by ancient woodlands with a unique habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, this popular holiday destination is popular in the winter season with skiers and snowboarders and is a great starting point for climbing, walking and exploring the countryside, the town is also conveniently located for the 70 mile long famous Speyside Malt Whisky Trail, this area is Surrounded by Highland estates with various outdoor country sports with great roads, amazing scenery and an ever-changing geography at every turn on this route.

Take the A940 through Dava, Tomdow, Beachans, Dunphail, Logie to Forres a town and former royal burgh situated in the north of Scotland on the Moray coast, approximately 25 miles east of Inverness and 12 miles west of Elgin, it has been a winner of the Scotland in Bloom award on several occasions, here you will find many geographical and historical attractions nearby such as the River Findhorn, historical artefacts and monuments a thousand years ago, Forres was home to a castle, located at the west end of the High Street, this was further strengthened to become a royal residence in the 1100s, today nothing remains of Forres Castle, its site is a public park.

The smallest distillery in Speyside, it is owned by the long established Elgin-based whisky bottlers, Gordon & MacPhail.

Two miles north east of Forres is the small village of Kinloss, here you find Kinloss Barracks, home to 39 Engineer Regiment, previously an RAF Station and a preserved Nimrod MR2 maritime patrol aircraft, XV244, can be seen parked on the North West corner of the base beside the Findhorn road.

From Forres take the A96 to Springfield on the B9011 on the Burghead road through Muirhead, Hempriggs and Kinloss a village in Moray, Scotland. home to the kinloss golf club, it is located near the shore of Findhorn Bay, around 3 miles from Findhorn and 2.5 miles from Forres, from here continue to the town of Burghead, a small town in Moray, Scotland, about 8 miles north-west of Elgin. the town is mainly built on a peninsula that projects north-westward into the Moray Firth, meaning that most of the town has sea on 3 sides.

Burghead has an ancient history, with a easily defended headland fortified during the early Iron Age and evidence that people settled here considerably earlier, the town became an important centre for the people referred to by the Romans as the Verturiones, who went on to establish the Pictish Kingdom of Fortriu, with Burghead as its capital.

With remote areas, stunning back roads and beautiful ever changing scenery this is a Fantastic motorcycling route.

Drive from Inverness to Edinburgh

The route Takes around 3 hours from Inverness take the A9 to Aviemore, situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland. It is in the Badenoch and Strathspey, the town is popular for skiing and other winter sports, and for hill-walking in the Cairngorm Mountains, at 1245 metres it is the sixth-highest mountain in the United Kingdom, it has given its name to the whole range, although these hills were historically known as Am Monadh Ruadh rather than the Cairngorms, the Cairn Gorm is the most prominent of the Cairngorm mountains a most beautiful, inspiring and truly stunning region of ancient landscapes! Beautiful scenery comes as standard up here, the rest is your to explore and discover at your own pace.

From Aviemore continue through Alvie, kinncraig, Insh, Kingussie, Etteridge along to Blair Atholl on the A9 road, the Cairngorms National Park runs along this route, a perfect place to explore all year round, whether you’re looking for white knuckle adventure, leisurely walks through ancient Caledonian pine trees, or a mountain challenge, the park has it all.

Blair Atholl is a village in Perthshire, built about the confluence of the Rivers Tilt and Garry in one of the few areas of flat land in the midst of the Grampian Mountains. The Gaelic place-name Blair, from blàr, 'field, plain', refers to this location. Atholl, which mean 'new Ireland', from the archaic Ath Fhodla is the name of the surrounding district.

Here you will find Blair Castle gives you the opportunity to see Scottish history through the lives of the Atholl Family, their collections of furniture, arms, china, lace and portraits speak for themselves.

This is whiskey country, if you are travelling on a motorcycle or car, grab a map and start creating your own map, several distilleries are accessible easily from this main A9 route, Remember that not every distillery is open to visitors, and it is best to check in advance.

From Blair Atholl continue on through Pitlochry In the heart of Scotland an area of Perth and Kinross,with friendly hospitality, clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, rich clan history, fine food, plenty of space and lots to see and do, it is largely a Victorian town, which developed into a tourist resort because of Queen Victoria visiting the area in 1842 and the arrival of the railway in 1863.

Pitlochry started life as a smaller neighbour to the older settlement of Moulin, situated at the top of the hill, the road leads across the present day Golf Course to Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl

Today the area remains a popular tourist resort, it is particularly known as a centre for hillwalking, surrounded by mountain

Then through the hamlets of Ballinluig, Dowally, Dunkeld, Luncarty to Perth in Highland Perthshire, in the city of Perth you can top up on shopping and culture in our towns and city, or delve into the past with our huge number of historical attractions, here you will find gardens to explore, lochs to sail and fish on

From Perth take the M90 across the Forth road bridge to Edinburgh.

Starting at Gairloch take the A832 trough the rural hamlets of Charlestown, Kerysdale, past Loch Maree, 20 km long and 4 km in width, making the Loch the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland, regarded as one of the most scenically attractive areas of Scotland, the loch itself is the largest in the north-west Highlands and lies in a glacial up to 110m deep, Loch Maree has a large number of islands 66 in total, the larger islands such as Eilean Ruaridh Mor, an Garbh Eilean and Eilean Subhainn contain pristine remnants of ancient Caledonian Scots Pine wood some over 350 years old, and standing on ground that has changed little in the last 8000 years, here you will find scenic beauty, rare plants and wild life, Sea trout and salmon are an important part of Loch Marie's ecosystem and they provide food for the Black-throated diver and the Otters.

kayaking is an excellent way to discover the loch, relax with the soothing sound of water lapping against the Kayak and nature quietening both mind and body and sole, or take the track next to the loch, the Tollie path, the walk starts at the Slattadale parking place and ends at Tollie Farm near Poolewe, about five miles there and five miles back.

Continuing on theA832 past Loch Maree through Taggan, Anancoun to Kinlochewe were you take the junction onto the A896

From the A896 continue on to Annet past Upper Loch Torridon, All An Dubn, Straithcarron, to Tornapress junction from here you can turn to Applecross, accessed by the spectacular Bealach na ba road for 11 miles as part of the adventure, come rain or shine this remote peninsula in the Scottish Highlands has sea kayaking, gorge walking, fishing and hiking, stunning scenery an abundance of wildlife and white sandy beaches, whether your cycling, walking or driving, fantastic photographic opportunities, camping on remote Islands and beaches in season, seals, dolphins, basking sharks, pilot and Minke whales are frequently in the waters, and look to the sky for Puffins, Skuas, Guillemots and Gannets.

At the Tornapress junction take the A896 through the hamlets of Kishorn past the river Kishorn and Sanachan to Lochcarron a sea-loch on the north-west coast of Scotland, on the mainland opposite the island of Skye, and is set among the most dramatic scenery in Britain.  Lochcarron and district is a scattered community, in winter in Lochcarron sees beautiful snowy hills, and when the snow creeps down into the village, at the northern end of Lochcarron, in Kirkton, you'll find its attractive loch side 9 hole golf course.

At the junction to Straithcarron take the A890 through New Kelso.

At Strathcarron take the A890 to Ardnarff along the Loch side, through Achmore, to Auchtertyre at the junction take the A87 to Dornie a small former fishing village in the Kintail district in western Ross-shire, the rivers Loch Duich, Loch Alsh and Loch Long meet up, here you will find Eilean Donan Castle.

At Shiel Bridge at the head of Loch Duich take the A87 to Invermoriston on the shore of Lochness, through the rural hamlets of Torrlaoighsearch, past loch Cluanie, Tomchrasky, Dalchreichart and Dundreggan.

From Invermoriston take the A82 past Urquhart Castle home to Nessy, through Drumnadrochit were you will find the Lochness Monster Exhibition, to finish back in the Highland capital Inverness.

Applecross to Torridon this route offers you the feeling of a utter desolate place and giving a sense of remoteness, this is home to some of Scotland's most magnificent mountain scenery, and this route allows you to appreciate it to the full, with the grandeur of mountains from Liathach and the western end of Beinn Eighe from Loch Clair and Glen Torridon, out door enthusiasts in particular should plan extra time here.

The main route includes a number of significant lengths winding and mostly single track roads, for example, through Glen Torridon and round to Applecross are quite demanding roads with blind bends on single track between two passing places, the place for dramatic light and weather, the views across to Skye are spectacular

From Inverness take the north Kessock bridge on the A9 to the Tore roundabout, take the second turn off onto the A835 to Maryburgh past Cononbridge over the Conon the river starts at Loch Luichart, it flows in a south-easterly direction to be joined by the River Meig at Scatwell before passing through Loch Achonachie, joined by the Black Water at Moy Bridge, and the River Orrin at Urray, before flowing into the Cromarty Firth,

This is a popular region for the fishing, the Estuary Beat is controlled by the Dingwall & District Angling Club and extends for approximately 2½ miles (4 km) from Conon Bridge down to the Cromarty Firth.
The Brahan Fishing's comprise the Upper, Middle and Lower Brahan beats and is operated as a timeshare by the ‘Conon Syndicate’, the Lower and Middle Brahan beats are mostly double banked and extend for just over 2½ miles (4 km) from Conon Bridge to just above the Orrin.

Continuing on from Maryburgh, through Contin, Tarve, to Garve a small village along the A835, the main road from Tore, near Inverness, to Ullapool on the west coast, this region is a popular base for walkers there is plenty to do in the vicinity, offering challenges for all levels of fitness on Ben Wyvis, the Dearg or the Fannichs. Walkways have been constructed by the Forestry Commission and provide trails to Silver-bridge and Rogie Falls, about 4 miles away.

Other activities include wildlife spotting, Munro bagging, fishing, cycling, golf or just admiring the magnificent scenery with a scenic drive.

Garve is 24 miles north west of Inverness by road and about 31 miles from the head of Loch Ness,

From Garve follow the route to the junction onto the A832 to Garstan through Corriemoillie, Lochluichart, Achnasheen, Badavanich, Leckie, to Kinlochewe

Here you can go over over the famous Bealach na Ba, ‘the pass of the cattle’ that zig-zags up from the main Shieldaig to Lochcarron road, or alterativly take the low level road round the peninsula, this has an ever changing panorama it twists and swoops at first through the Loch Shieldaig woodlands with scary blind bends and occasional oncoming vehicles with suicidal tendencies, before opening out with vistas over the islands of Raasay with Skye behind,

From kinlochewe at the junction take the A896 to Torridon, Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and several Munros, here you will find walking, cycling, Munro ‘bagging’, climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, stalking, sightseeing or just relaxation It lies near the head of Loch Maree in its magnificent valley, and serves as a junction between the main Ullapool road north, and that which heads west to the coast at Loch Torridon.

From Torridon continue on the A896 through Annet Balay following upper loch Torridon to Sheildaig, the village was founded in 1800 with a view to training up seamen for war against Napoleon, after his defeat and exile to Elba, the community found itself a new role as a fishing village with a string of largely whitewashed cottages and other buildings laid out along the shore of the loch with others scattered up the rising ground behind it, here you will find lochs and rivers which include eight hill lochs with boats for fly fishing and occasional salmon fishing on Loch & river Badachro and Red deer stalking on the estate available from mid-August.

From Sheildaig continue on the A896 to Applecross, along this route is the Coire a' Chaorachain - the corrie of the rowan tree this is one of a series of impressive corries usually seen from below, from the road to Lochcarron, but this view looks down from the Applecross plateau, this is high country with many cliff-edged corries, over the Bealach na Ba, on the first of the zig-zags roads it seems endless until you reach the car park at the summit with views over to the Isle of Skye, this has to rank as one of the real contenders for a truly great biking region amazing scenery diverse countryside, thousands of miles of quiet, testing yet stunning roads, the weather is not always great but the ride and your visit will make it well worth it.

Gairloch to Ullapool Scottish Highlands

Always plan your road trip when touring Scotland by car camper or motorbike, so you don't miss out any of Scotland's beautiful, ever-changing scenery, incredible attractions and welcoming towns and villages.

This route will take you through some of the most speculator and wild country in Scotland, full of ancient history, tribal Celts and ancient face-painted Picts, Roman conquerors and audacious red-headed Vikings, fallen monarchs and powerful warrior-royals, mysterious standing stones, fine castles and lavish stately homes, striking architecture, derelict fortresses, food and drink, song and dance, all waiting for you to experience,on an adventure,of a breathtaking and awesome road trip.

Cross the Beauly Firth over the Kessock Bridge in Inverness and hit the A835 heading north and west for Ullapool, after around 25 miles, when you get to Loch Garve, look for the A832 for Gairloch and start heading west, through Achnasheen and along past Loch Maree, the views are stunning as you head along to Gairloch. After Gairloch and Inverewe continue on the A832 passing Aultbea and the picture postcard Gruinard Bay with its chalk white beach and turquoise waters.

The name Gairloch comes from the Gaelic "ghearr loch", meaning short loch - referring to the relatively short sea loch that runs along the coast here, the surrounding area includes many small communities that functioned as separate villages for many years, Gairloch is one of the principal villages on the North Coast 500 route,in Wester Ross, in the North-West Highlands of Scotland, a popular tourist destination in the summer months, here you will find a golf course, a small museum, several hotels, a variety of shops, the harbour is quite busy, with boat trips and fishing boats, there are some very good walks and beaches in the area,

Continue along to the A835 to Ullapool alongside the spectacular Loch Broom. Ullapool is a important port and tourist destination, the town is the main terminus for the ferry to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, composed of islands, Lewis, Harris, North Usi, South Usit, Eriskay and Barra. these islands have much to offer from white beaches and Atlantic waves, dark moorland and rugged mountains, amazing wildlife and a rich and vibrant culture.

The Summer Queen boat in Ullapool runs fantastic sea cruises from the harbour and takes you through the head of Loch Broom and out to the Summer Isles through the Minch, here you can see dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and Scotland’s only Orca (Killer whale) pod are often spotted in these waters, look above and spot a white tailed sea eagles and all manner of birds that will be pointed out by the knowledgeable crew, once back on the road you will find ever-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery and the freedom of the long open road, from Ullapool the North coast 500 carries on.

For Motorbike, Car, Bicycle, or Walk, about 60 miles through the small communities and villages along the way,

Take the A838 from Achlyness to through the county of Sutherland bordering Caithness to the east and Ross-shire, to the south this is one of the most sparsely populated areas of mainland Britain, with Atlantic to the north and west, it has some of the most dramatic scenery in the whole of Europe, especially on its western fringe where the mountains meet the sea, with high sea cliffs, and ancient mountains composed of Precambrian and Cambrian rocks, then into the county of Ross and Cromarty a most beautiful, inspiring and truly stunning region of ancient landscapes, beautiful scenery, to explore and discover at your own pace

This region has giant lonely lochs, vast glacial Glens monolithic mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh dominating the landscape giving you the feeling you are the only person left on the planet with such areas to the observer of a moon scape landscape with the weather changing at every turn even in the summer months from one movement the sky will darken and become cloudy and possibly wet and next out comes the sunshine, as you travel around you will find rubble remains of abandoned croft houses serve as a severe, terrible and traumatic period of the notorious Highland Clearances, in which landowners evicted crofters from their homes and even whole communities by force to make way for sheep,

Today the region is settled making this a great tourist destination to explore the vast history, community, food and drink both from the land and sea, a magical area for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and some of the loveliest beaches in Britain.

• From Achlyness

Continue on through the small communities and villages to Laxford bridge onto the A894 to Scourie, a small crofting village on the north west coast about halfway between Ullapool and Durness, there are a range of attractive cottages and crofts sheltering at the foot of the surrounding hills, dominated by the peaks of Foinaven, Arkle, Ben Stack, Quinag, Suilven, Canisp & Ben More Assynt, once a Clan Mackay stronghold, it lies at the centre of the parish of Eddrachilles in North West Sutherland, and provides an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, an area famous for its remote rugged beauty, unspoilt by modern development,

The name comes from the Gaelic word Sheiling or shed, a stone-built place of shelter used during the summer months, Scourie itself is a intensely rocky landscape that makes up so much of this part of north west county of Sutherland, with a rocky bay stretching north west towards handa Island

Today most of Scourie lies on the old road that emerges opposite the Scourie Hotel, now bypassed by the A894,

• From Scourie

Continue on the A894 past Badcall bay, comprising of two remote hamlets, called Lower Badcall and Upper Badcall.

Upper Badcall, a crofting township, is a larger of the two and is situated on the western shore of Badcall Bay.

Lower Badcall is located less than 1 mile to the east on the eastern shore of Badcall Bay, this is a tranquil, breathtaking remote & unspoilt location with some of the most dramatic scenery ideal out door pursuits such as walking, fishing, kayaking, climbing hillwalking and unspoilt beaches within just a short drive away you will be spoilt for choice, offering excellent opportunities for photographers, here you will find a remote pass at Bealach na h-Uidhe before descending to pass below Britain's highest waterfall and a tough pathless section to reach Glencoul bothy, a rough path climbs the shoulder to Loch Glendhu with spectacular views, good walking shoes are recommended.
From here carry on the A894 past Eddrachilles Bay to Kylestrom 2 miles south of Scourie or 40 miles north of Ullapool.

Kylestrom is a village on the north shore of Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin, two miles north west of Unapool, over the Kylesku Bridge, over Loch Glendu to the village of Kylesky and onto Unapool,85 miles by road from Inverness, the is the perfect base for exploring, walking, cycling, fishing, boating and an Ideal region for nature lovers, you can easily spot seals, otters and seabirds.

Here you will find the Wailing Widow Falls, a massive falls on the burn that runs out of Loch Gainmhich, are seriously impressive especially when there is a good flow of water, follow the sign from the A894 about half way between Loch Assynt and the Kylesku Bridge follow a rough track from a small parking space beside the road.

• From Unapool

Take the A894, take your time at this point Just go slow and appreciate some of the best landscapes you may ever see.

Through Newton past loch Assynt to the Skiag bridge junction and take the A837 south west bound to Inchnadamph the through Stronchrubie, continue on past Loch Awe, this rural community that stretches from Bridge of Orchy in the north, through Dalmally, Loch awe, Cladich, Ardbrecknish, Portsonachan and on to Eredine in the south and includes the longest freshwater loch in Scotland Loch Awe,at 26 miles long, this is very popular for fishing, at the northern end of Loch Awe is the ruins of the very picturesque, Kilchurn Castle, a 15th and 17th century ruin was the ancestral home of the Campbell's of Glen Orchy, to drive the road around Loch Awe takes about 3 hours depending on the time you take and enjoy the views, the roads are mostly single track, narrow and occasionally in poor repair, observe the country driving code and allow cars to overtake by using the many lay-bys

• From Loch Awe

Continue on the A837 to Ledmore to the Elphine junction take the A835 North East, over the Ledbeg river to Drumrunie and over the river Runie,

From here you carry on the A837 to Ardmair and Rhue a small settlement north of Ullapool in Ross and Cromarty, here you will find a pebbly beach on Loch Broom, you follow a path that crosses a small stream and undulates towards a lighthouse visible against the sea behind, from here you get a good views looking up Loch Broom towards Ullapool or seawards towards the Summer Isles.

• The finish is Ullapool a major tourist destination for the town and the ferry to Stornoway on the Island of Lewis.

Caledonian MacBrayne, usually shortened to CalMac, is the major operator of passenger and vehicle ferries, and ferry services, between the mainland of Scotland and 22 of the major islands on Scotland's west coast.

 Everyone has their very own favourite part of the Scottish Highlands and they are all just simply stunning, offering miles of spectacular remote scenery and wonderful roads, loops around the top of Scotland, where people are heavily outnumbered by sheep,

Taking this route can be fantastic but do your research before you go, and check the availability of the accommodation as in the summer this region as in all the Scottish Highland tourist routes every thing gets booked up and in the Autumn to winter months the day light fades starting about two o'clock and there are no street lights to guide you

Glasgow short walk around Merchant City

Around Ullapool lie the extraordinary mountains Cul Mor, Cul Beag, and Canisp, mBen Mor Coigach, Sgurr an Fhidhleir, Beinn an Eoin, Stac Pollaidh, and the famous Suilven (Caisteal Liath) for you to explore before continuing on the NC500 route to Gairloch

Starting at the ferry terminal at Ullapool take the A835, through the rural towns and villages of Ardcharnich, Inverlael, Inverbroom, Braemore, to the junction at the river Abhainn Droma, over the bridge onto the A832 heading for Fain, passing Loch a' Bhraoin, this region is well established as a rural walking destination, located in north western county of Ross and Cromarty,with so many spectacular mountains, Munros, Corbetts, Grahams, ideal for short strolls, low level walks and rambling, hillwalking, Corbett and Munro bagging, long distance walking and trekking.

Following on the A832 from Dundonnell to Gralloch passing little Loch Broom, a sea loch you have access to the Fannaichs, Sgurr Mhor, Beinn Dearg and the great An Teallach, and the isolated Beinn Ghobhlach, from these summits, on a clear day there are stunning coast to coast panoramic views, the weather in Scotland is very changeable and depending every season,and every day, depending on the altitude and the region.

Heavy snowfall and blizzard like conditions are the norm in winter with the lowland moorland, covered in mist and low clouds.

When low pressure areas with warm air arrive from the Atlantic Ocean heavy rain can fall in the West Highlands for days, while the East coast remains completely dry.

In this region all weather clothing and good walking boots are a must, Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter,( not always in this order.)

Continuing on from Dundonnell along the A832 towards Gairloch you will pass the mountains of Beinn Bheag and Groban, the Creag Rainich, and Fannaichs, this region is a haven for wildlife with a wide range of habitats ranging from high mountains to moorland to low level warm forest, Whilst golden eagle, peregrine falcon, ptarmigan and mountain hare haunt the moorland and summits, on the lower ground you will find roe, Sika and red deer, look out for Highland cattle just wandering around,feral goats, pine marten, otters and recently a badger, golden eagles, sea eagles and many other varied and interesting bird species.

From Dundonnell continuing on the A832 through the coast-le hamlets and past Gruinard bay and past Gruinard Island of Badeluchrach, Mungasdale and Inchina, Little Gruinard, Laide, to Aultbea, with views of sea and islands, mountains and moorland.

To the north are views of the Summer Isles and the mountains of Suilven, Quinag and Stac Polly.

To the east is the impressive mountain range of An Teallach, for nature lovers there are seals, otters, occasionally pine-martens and a variety of birds of woodland edge, moorland and coast.

Gruinard Bay can be enjoyed from the road but is most definitely worth stopping at. The golden sandy beaches are magnificent in all weathers, but especially on a sunny day under blue sky, lovely stretch of water with beaches at Mungasdale, Little Gruinard and Mellon Udrigle, and the drive around the bay from the beach are wonderful with views of the northern Highlands and the scenery around this area of coast is truly spectacular and joy a beautifully clear and starry night with a breathtaking sunset,many unusual stones can be found near the rocks and shoreline.

Continuing on the A832 past Loch Ewe and the Island of Ewe to Tuirnaig, Poolewe and onto Gairloch, an ideal centre for walking and climbing, Sea-life cruises departing from Gairloch harbour and these will give you an instructional day out watching seals, dolphins and a whale or two.

The world famous sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens at Poolewe carefully laid out with hundreds of species of plants, shrubs, trees and gardens, owned by the National Trust for Scotland,

This part of the NC500 has it all Gairloch to Loch Maree you have magnificent mountain, Slioch and on the opposite bank Kinlochewe, Torridon, Shieldaig, Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye, with rugged mountains, beautiful inland lochs and sparkling rivers, awesome sea lochs and breathtaking seascapes, wildlife, beaches, walking, sea and river fishing, climbing, pony trekking, sailing, golf, Wester Ross will keep you coming back for more.

There is so much more here you need to do the research before you go and bring a paper map the Sat Nav will get confused.

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Lazy lock down ride from The Steading Highland Glen Lodge to Corrimony Chambered Cairn on a nice sunny warm day. 

Corrimony chambered cairn, only a short ride from The Steading, is a great example of a Clava Cairn passage tomb. Parts of the Cairn have been restored, it is in many ways more complete than the more famous examples at Balnuaran of Clava.

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Starting in the Highland Capital of Inverness take the B865 over the North Kesssock bridge onto the A9 to the Tore roundabout, continue on the A9 through Duncanston, Drummond, Dalmore, Achnagarron, Tomich, Delney, Kildary, Aldie, Tain, Morangie, Clashmore, Evilix, Poles, Culmaily, Golspie, Brora, Lothbeg, Lothmore, Portgower, Helmsdale, Navidale, Ousdale, Berriedale, Newport, Dunbeath, Inver, Latheronwheel onto the A99 through Forse, Swiney, Occumster, Mid Ciyth, Ulbster, Thrumster, Wick, Ackergill, Reis, Keiss, Auckengill and Freswick to Gills Bay located near the community of Gills approximately 3 miles west of John o' Groats, on the way passing Coastlines visiting castles and cathedrals full of history, standing on remote beaches, taking a stroll along the many tracks found on this route,whisky tasting in ancient and modern breweries, stopping for a bite to eat in the many type of food outlets found in the Scottish Highlands using the local produce from the land and the sea and staying in accommodation from a castle to a bothy to suite all budgets.

Gills Bay has one of Caithness's longest stretches of picturesque low lying rocky coast line along its northern shores.

The harbour and the coastline are teaming with wildlife, from wild sea birds to huge basking sharks, with the largest animal population of Common and Grey Seals which are known to swim into the harbour to bask on the rocks.

Orkney is remote mysterious and sparsely populated with history stretching back 6,000 years long before the Egyptians began the pyramids, Neolithic man built a vast temple complex at the top of what is now Scotland, prehistoric sites with a large number of tombs and the astonishing Ness of Brodgar stone circles, along with the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, known as Skara Brae all waiting to be discovered,

The Island is 10 miles north of the coast of Caithness, easily accessible seven days a week, by ferry departing from Gills Bay the fastest ferry route to the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, arriving in St Margaret’s Hope, a mesmerizing and beautiful landscape

The ferry ride is a great adventure across the North Sea, quite relaxing and pleasant when the weather is agreeable the crew are very courteous and helpful.

The view is incredible as the boat weaves its way through some of the 70 islands that make up Orkney, if you have your car onboard then this is the quickest and cheapest way to cross, the crossing will take about an hour and takes around 40 minutes from the ferry to reach the capital Kirkwall.

There are also frequent crossings from Scrabster and Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, as well as from Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, north of the Orkney archipelago.

The islands wildlife attracts many visitors to the area with around 15% of the world’s seal population living here, every year between May and August, the islands are flocked by puffins and visitors.

From Cannich take the A831 to Milton the take the A833 to Beauly here you will find a secret glen just a stone's throw away from the city of Inverness the capital of the Highlands, the word glen comes from the Gaelic and means a steep-sided valley, the River Beauly is born out of its tributaries, Affric, Cannich, Glass, and Farrar, once over the bridge into Beauly, you will find a small town with the ruin of a Valliscaulian monastic Priory, today only the abbey church still stands housing some fine funerary monuments, the high street offers a selection of shops, coffee shops and a supermarket to stock up, and the Priory hotel for a spot of lunch,

• From Bauly take the A862 to Urray

This is a scattered village and coastal parish, consisting of Easter, Old and Wester Urray and is located in the county of Ross, it is also a parish in the district of Wester Ross and Cromarty comprising of the parishes of Carnoch and Kinlochlychart, with the ancient parish of Kilchrist and tiny cluster of houses at Aultgowrie

Here you will find the the Orrin Dam in a wild and rarely visited glen sandwiched between Strathfarrar and Strathconnon, with remote views to the west of distant Munros. About 20 miles to the north west of Inverness, the River Orrin has a setting next to meadows and fields and a backdrop of hills.

• From Urray B832 to Mary Bank
• Then take the A832 to Moy bridge over the river Connon
• Next take the A834 to Contin

The surrounding area is rich in battle history Surrounded by miles of moorland and impressive peaks, a Highland wilderness and forestry areas where you can venture off the beaten track amid some of the most Impressive waterfalls on the Black Water river near Contin, the salmon ladder at the side of the falls, especially spotted in August and September, Ben Wyvis is visible for miles around In good weather it's a straightforward climb of about 9 miles round trip and 3200 feet of ascent from the Ben Wyvis Car Park on the A835.

From contin take the A837 to Tarvie and continue on to finish at Garve, here you will find stunning landscapes, flourishing wildlife, a wildness and isolation, like no other for you to enjoy.

The island is 4.3 miles long and 1 mile wide, the isolated skerries of Hyskeir and Humla lie about 6 miles south west of the island it is the most westerly of the Small Isles archipelago among the Scottish Inner Hebrides, a haven for wildlife that includes rare butterfly species and the magnificent sea eagle, walk to the top of Compass Hill and observe beautiful views weather permitting of both Skye's Cuillin Hills, and the Western Isles, the last out post before North Atlantic.

The Canna ferry leaves from Mallaig and stops off at one of the other Small Isles of Rum, simply turn up at the port office and buy a ticket and go on the next available sailing, for vehicles reservations you need to contact Mallaig port office.

This is a is a island bird sanctuary, with a coastline that supports over 20,000 breeding seabirds, discover the amazingly rich archaeological landscape, from prehistoric fortifications to early 19th-century abandoned settlements.

The Island has about 4 miles of flat roads that offer a delightful cycling route around the Island, with magnificent views of the Isle of Rum with the island of Sanday in the foreground, you can access the island of Sanday by means of a small bridge connecting the two islands.

Canna house, on the Island holds a nationally important archive of Gaelic culture and language, found in recordings along with a unique collection of butterflies, moths and a life time of photography by the owners Dr John Lorne Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw, step through a beautiful tunnel of escallonia in the walled garden into a bee-friendly sanctuary of lush lawns, flower-filled borders and fruit trees.

In 1981 the island and house passed to the National Trust for Scotland.

Balblair Latitude: 57.670196 Longitude: -4.177490
To visit the fort at Dounie, travel on the A836 from Edderton towards Ardgay. About 2 miles north west of Edderton crossroads locate a forest track leading off left into a conifer wood opposite fields (Ardvannie). Look for a green signpost on the right. There is a car park at the beginning of the track just before a boom.
To reach the fort walk uphill on the track and turn right onto a new track. Find a finger–post on your left at the start of the path that snakes up the hillside.
On leaving the trees continue up over the heather on a strimmed path until it flattens out.
Forestry Commission Scotland has erected interpretation signs at the car park and at the upper end of the path.

For Motorbike, Car, Bicycle, or Walk, Explore the far north of Scotland

This next stage will take you North to discover Caithness and Sutherland, two counties that covers an area from the east coast to the west of Scotland of Highland Scotland, at the far top right corner of the Scottish Highlands an ancient land lived in by the Picts and invaded by the Vikings, the countryside and landscape varies discover stunning scenery, from high rugged and remote mountain ranges, rugged coastline and wild wind swept moors, crofting communities, fishing towns and villages, this region you will find a historical range of old castles, remnants of pictish, Romans and Viking settlements, standing stones, wild life reserves, UNESC, and brochs along with the more recent effects the history of the clearances leaving today the abandoned villages and houses now long empty.

• From John O Groats

Take the A836 to Thurso through the small communities and villages along the way of Hanna, Gills, East Mey, Mey, Scarsfkerry, Dunnet, Castle Town, and Murkle to Thurso, this is a real contender for truly great biking country, thousands of miles of quiet yet stunning roads.

• From Thurso

Continue on the A836 coastal road to Bettyhill about 30 miles, through the small communities and villages along the way of Crosskirk, Bridge of Forres, Lower Dounreay, Dounreay, Isauld, Reay, Fresgoe, Melvich, Big house, Portskerra, Baligill, Strathy, Brawl, Armadale, Kirtomy and Farr to Bettyhill.

Always remember your mobile phone will not always get a signal as you travel through this region

• From Bettyhill To Kinlochbervie

Is about 60 miles continue on the A836 through the small communities and villages along the way of Achina, Invernaver, Borgie, Stratongue, at Coldbackie, Skullomie, the road changes to the A838 over the bridge at Kyle of Tongue, the through Achuvoldrach, Moine Ho, Hope, Heilam, Erriboll and the small Island of Eilean Choraidh, Polla, Laid, Portnancon, Rispond, Sagobeg, Leirinmore, Durness, Balnakeil, Keoldale, Sarsgrum and past the Kyle of Durness, Gualin, then at Achriesgill take the B801 through Badcall,to Kinlochbervie and the finish of this part of the NC500.

This route in the summer will be fantastic, the weather is not always great but the ride and the drive will make it worth it, especially come Autumn and winter this route can be a challenge, so research before you go, this will allow you to enjoy this route and your destinations, being so remote it would be advisable to book accommodation before you go, following the route you want to take, especially if your break includes a ferry crossing and be aware of how long your journey will take.

If in are in a car or on a motorbike check the distance from one petrol station to another and what time they close.

If you are in a hire vehicle, is it petrol or diesel and what side is the tank.

• For Motorbike, Car, Bicycle, or WalkInverness to John o groats starting at Inverness the capital of the Highlands, take the A9 over the Kessock bridge to Tore through Duncanston, past Culbokie, meaning 'the haunted nook' is a small village in Ross and Cromarty, it is located on the north side of the Black Isle, the village is 3 miles south-east of Dingwall and about 9 miles north of Inverness, it is to the east, on the B1969.
• The village has a main street and a pub, it has grown significantly in the last few years, with new houses being built to take advantage of the beautiful views across the firth, to the east of the village is Findon burn, which has a wooded gorge reputed to have been the home of a fairy who lured local men to the glen and kept them there.

Here you will find beautiful highland scenery alongside the River Conon, an area which thousands of visitors enjoy every year, situated close to Dingwall, the ancient Viking capital

• From Culbokie to Tain

Continuing on the A9 to the bridge over the Dornoch Firth Bridge,

Travellers on the main road north have seen little of Tain since it was by-passed by the A9 in the 1980s. But it is worth the slight detour to take a look at what this town with its surprisingly grand collection of sandy coloured stone buildings has to offer, the centre of Tain is dominated by the massive and imposing tower, the tollbooth. This was first built in 1630 to house court offices and a jail, and to collect tolls and taxes from traders, here you will find the Glenmorangie Distillery dating back to the early early 1700s, once over the bridge carry on through Clasmore, and Evelix.

At this point you can take a detour on the A949 to Dornoch, on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, near to where it opens into the Moray Firth to the east, this is a town and seaside resort, and former Royal burgh in the county of Sutherland,

Dornoch dates back a thousand years, and it became a Royal Burgh in 1628, you will find a championship golf course immediately to the east of the town.

Here you will find miles of golden sand from Dornoch Point heading past Embo beach to the mouth of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, further north along the coast there are two other award-winning beaches located at Golspie and Brora, with Special Scientific Interest that features nesting birds, flora and fauna.

• From Dornoch

Take the B9168 back to the A9 at Poles past loch fleet to Golspie, the village of Golspie boasts a lovely long sandy beach and there are a number of great scenic walks around the area including one at the Big Burn with its spectacular waterfalls.

Here you will find Dunrobin Castle a stately home in Sutherland, in the Highland area of Scotland, and the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland. It is located 1 mile north of Golspie, and approximately 5 miles south of Brora, overlooking the Dornoch Firth.

• From Golspie

Continue on the A9, along the coastline through rural quaint villages and towns on the route through to Brora here you will find an interesting mix of coastal resort and industrial town, having been home until the 1970s to Scotland's most northerly coal mine, on the south side of the river is Brora's attractive small harbour from here the coast curves around a slight headland were you will find two rows of white-painted cottages, once used by the fishermen who used the harbour.

• From Brora

Continue on the A9, through the Highland coastal villages and towns of Lothmore, Kilmote, Portgower, to Helmsdale, these areas are on the east coast of Sutherland, communities that had been removed from the surrounding regions, as part of the Highland Clearances.

In 1814, the region was resettled, so communities could rebuild.

• From Helmsdale

Continue on the coastal route A9 to Latheron here you take A99 to the town of wick through the Highland coastal villages and towns of Foris, Swiney, Lybester, Octminster, MidClyth, Thrumster, Whiterow, Ackergill, Keiss, Auckengi, Freshwick, to finish at Lands End John O Groats.

• From John O Groats

Take the A836 to Thurso to Scrabster to get the Ferry to Orkney as part of this fantastic route

This is the first half of the North coast 500 route taking the East coast, from here you continue on the next stage

Nestled below the slopes of Beinn a Chairein and at the junction of Glen Cannich, Glen Affric and Glen Urquhart, this is a wild and beautiful part of Scotland, Loch Mullardoch fills the valley floor and the mountain ridge that splits Glen Cannich from Glen Affric has the Munro’s Mamn Sodhail and Carn Eighe, offering solitude and remoteness, other notable peaks include Sgurr na Lapaich and Beinn Fhionnlaidhe, this is a popular walking area with some of the remotest walking in this region

The village is at the southern end of Strathglass, about 26 miles west of the city of Inverness, it is at the furthest point of the A831 that loops around the Aird from Beauly to Drumnadrochit.

The North side of the river Cannich in between the picturesque glens of Affric a National Nature Reserve and to the south and Strathfarrar to the north, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. 30mins for Beauly and an hour from Inverness airport.

From Cannich part of the Affric Kintail Way climbs to reach a forestry track which undulates with good views in places until descending to the Dog Falls car park, from here a track follows the south side of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin through pine and birch woods to finish at the car park at the end of the public road up Glen Affric.

There are many magnificent routes to be found here, all different in distance and ability with some routes you need to have the ability and the knowledge to tackle, the area is prone to the weather that can change at a moments notice always do the research before you go,

This region offers awe-inspiring, lochs, mountains paths, wild life wildlife watching, rambling, hillwalking, pinewood forests an ancient Caledonian woodlands that direct descendants of trees that first colonised the Scottish Highlands after the last Ice Age 8-10,000 years ago and a wide range of habitats ranging from high mountains to moorland to low level warm forest with views of the mountains always to be seen

• Inverness to Stornoway

Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, offers amazing opportunities to explore all the elements life on the edge in the Atlantic Ocean, the total area of Lewis along with Harris are 683 square miles, making this the largest island of the Outer Hebrides,with 5 routes on and off the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.

The Outer Hebrides are linked to the mainland by ferries sailing the routes from Ullapool to Stornoway, Uig to Tarbert, Uig to Lochmaddy and Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale, Vehicle reservation is recommended, to ensure you can travel on the ferry at the time you want.There are also inter-island ferries sailing from Barra to Eriskay and Berneray to Harris, You can catch the ferry to Lewis from Ullapool on the North West coast of Scotland, most routes to Ullapool go through Inverness, on a motorbike tour to all kinds of Island experiences. This is a great drive, in terms of truly spectacular scenery and wonderful roads, where people are heavily outnumbered by sheep.

The direct 69-mile route from Durness to Ullapool is pure delight, because virtually traffic-free roads sweep through mind-blowing scenery, take the A835 to Ullapool on the route you will pass mazing shapes of mountains that rise above a landscape of rocks formed 3,000 million years ago. The Suilvenis one of the most marvellous of all these peaks, looks like a colossal fortress built by giants, the ruined Ardvreck Castle, on the shore of Loch Assynt and to stop and take a tough walk crosses the heather to Eas Coul Aulin, where Britain's highest waterfall drops 658ft.

• From Ullapool

Take the ferry to Stornoway a busy sea port, offering a warm welcome to anyone choosing to visit Lewis as part of their Outer Hebridean explorations, here you will find beaches broad sweeps of white sand and clear seas, the moors and lochs and coasts support plenty of wildlife, travel the road to the ancient Callanish stones Neolithic standing stones, one of the finest examples to be found anywhere in Scotland, travel through the hilly Lochs of Lewis, and then at Leurbost follow the road around the scenic west side of Lewis, then on up to the Butt of Lewis, visit Lews castle Built in 1847-51 in the Neo-Gothic style popular in the Victorian era by Sir James Matheson and substantially altered by Lord Leverhulme. It re-opened in 2016 with the addition of a modern extension for the museum and archives, here you will find the Stornoway golf course Visit the 200 year old Abhainn Dearg Distillery.

Being on a bike is a great way of enjoying the islands, ride through the Harris hills, Meadows, lochs and moorlands, The east side of Harris boasts some of the oldest known rocks in the world, dating back millions of years, In the west are vast expanses of white sand that are caressed by grey-green waters a delight on any motorbike trip. whilst the north and east are rugged, rocky places which make you think you have reached the moon, In the Bays area, the lunar landscape is indented with hundreds of little lochs Harris is a beautiful island of contrasts with spectacular scenery and a unique unspoilt atmosphere, on this road trip if you pass through Tarbert, Borve, Horgabost and Luskentyre you will find the only trees that can be found on the Island.