Everyone has heard of the fabled ‘Northcoast 500’ route in Scotland – but that’s for good reason. It’s one of the most spectacular routes you could hope to ride or drive, both in terms of natural beauty that surrounds you and the quality of the ride itself. This easy 200 mile (322 km) route sticks to main roads that are well signposted, and will ease you into what lies ahead, whilst ticking of some of the ‘must-do’s’ of this stunning land.

We’ll start in Glasgow at the very beginning of the A82 - the ‘Great Western Road’. It’s easy to get to straight off the M8 motorway giving you hassle free access from any direction in the UK. From here just head West following the A82 and signs for Dumbarton, then Balloch and the start of the stunning Loch Lomond. There are loads of lay-bys to stop at along the banks of the Loch, but I’d just enjoy this scenic ride as it flows alongside the Loch, then stop at point 1 at the Ardlui Hotel for a brew and cake, sit by the Loch and soak in the beauty.

From here we continue along the A82 as it heads north into the Highlands. Stop at the famous ‘Green Welly’ in Tyndrum for some fuel, there’s also a great café which serves amazing food and cake – again!

Continue North along the A82 from Tyndrum as the sweeping bends take you into a spectacular landscape full of glens escorted by towering mountains on the horizon. The road whisks you down the glen through the Bridge of Orchy and around to the Loch Tulla viewpoint. Stop in the layby here and soak in the glorious view of where you’ve just been. Scotland is notorious for her weather, and if she’s living up to her reputation then it can be a challenge to stay upright at this viewpoint – it’s well worth it though.

Carrying on North up the A82 takes us through Rannoch Moor and onto Glencoe, some would say the very heart of Scotland. Stop here again in any of the layby’s between the ‘Devils Staircase’ and Loch Achtriochtan for the best viewpoints.

There’s a National Trust Visitor Centre in the wee village of Glencoe itself if you’d like to find out more about the history of this emotive place – well worth a visit.

Continue along the A82 over Loch Leven via the Ballachulish Bridge, then along the southern banks of Loch Eil up to Fort William. Grab some lunch or another brew in one of the many cafes, shop and restaurants, or stay away at any of the hotels, B&B’s or campsites if you want to explore this Highland town, or even climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the UK.

Stay on the A82 and head North through Spean Bridge, stopping at the Commando Memorial which looks out over the rugged highland scenery which surrounds you.

The A82 carves her way North along the Southern bank of Loch Lochy before turning West onto the A87 at Invergarry, and you now embark on a spectacular stretch of road. Whether you’re pinned open on the throttle or simply cruising along, this stretch of road has everything you want to keep you smiling – glorious grippy tarmac, lovely flowing bends with the odd tighter section thrown in, all enveloped in some of the most inviting, beautiful scenery available. Lochs and mountains abound as you continue West along the A87, eventually reaching the unmistakable Eilean Donan Castle, nestled on her own wee island at the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh.

The Castle was used in the Hollywood film ‘Highlander’ amongst many others, but its’ own history is worthy of a film itself. Stop for a while and take a guided tour, explore the visitor centre, or just have a brew on the banks of the Loch, staring at the beauty of this incredible Highland Clan castle.

Time will be getting on now as we embark on the last leg of this run. Continue West along the A87 over the Kyle of Lochalsh and onto the incredible Isle of Skye via the bridge. There’s so much to see on Skye that you’ll need at least another day to fully explore what many say is, “Scotland in miniature”. There’s a beautiful hotel right on the A87 about halfway in to the island, at the junction with the A863 called ‘Sligachan’. The rooms are incredible, the food is amazing, beers are cold and the welcome warm – what more could you want after an incredible first day in the saddle.