I've just finished a 5 day trip round the North Coast 500. Unless you're dead set on doing the 'official' route I'd suggest missing out the Eastern section. I'd recommend following it West round and up to Tongue but then to cut south to Lairg and then work a quieter central route back to Inverness.
You could easily get the mileage similar and would avoid the busy A9 and it's poor road surface, impatient drivers and uninspiring views.
The West Coast offered some of the best riding I've had anywhere in the world, the fantastic weather I was lucky to have certainly helped too!
I'm still away at the moment as I'm now riding back to London from Inverness. Can easily sort a quick RWGPS link when I'm back. It'd be a much nicer route in my opinion.
I've just finished a 5 day trip round the North Coast 500. Unless you're dead set on doing the 'official' route I'd suggest missing out the Eastern section. I'd recommend following it West round and up to Tongue but then to cut south to Lairg and then work a quieter central route back to Inverness.
You could easily get the mileage similar and would avoid the busy A9 and it's poor road surface, impatient drivers and uninspiring views.
The West Coast offered some of the best riding I've had anywhere in the world, the fantastic weather I was lucky to have certainly helped too!