Any advice on riding along north coast of Scotland and Orkneys?

[haqattaqq]

Hello,
I'm planning a trip this July along the North of Scotland - I've heard that the NC500 is crazy busy with poorly driven motorhomes, but am wondering if the route here will be OK. I'm planning on going from #8 below (near laxford bridge) to John o' Groats, and then onto the Orkneys via ferry. Then a few days biking around the Orkneys then taking the ferry back to Thurso, and train back to Edinburgh. I'm thinking of renting bikes in Edinburgh and returning there as well.

The two main questions I have are:
1: how busy it'll be on the NC500 route in July - I'm hoping to be able to take minor roads to avoid most of the traffic
2 any suggestions/advice for the Orkneys? (around South Ronaldsay and South Coast of mainland Orkney and Hoy)

I've heard a lot about how nice the North area is, but I'm not sure if this route misses anything I should include, or how nice these parts are.

Thanks!

Here's a general map of the NC500 route, I'd only be doing a small section of it (a bit of the west and the north part)

Going from #8 to John o' Groats (between 11 and 12) and then ferry to Orkneys.

[Matt2matt2002]

I was on Orkney last Summer.
It was my third or fourth time. I live in Aberdeen so took the ferry up.
A few years ago I rode the end to end of Scotland and came down from Shetland to the mainland via Orkney.
I've also ridden parts of the N500.

Yes, very busy on the N500 with cars and caravans/ motorhomes. Not pleasant at times and few alternatives.
Orkney a complete contrast although of course during Summer months traffic increases.
Pretty flat on Orkney compared to around Bettyhill and Scrabster.
I stayed at the Youth hostel in Kirkwall.
A one day complete circuit was too much for me  but a few roads can cut the circle in half,so doable.

For me, the N500, despite having excellent scenery, has been over marketed and the Orkney islands offer more.
On my last visit, I went to the Orkney outer small islands rather than staying on the mainland. But I don't think you will have time for that.

I'm in Aberdeen so pleased to make you welcome if you're passing through.

Matt

[in4]

+1for Orkney. I was there  March ‘23  Whilst the weather was very mixed it’s a great place to ride.
I camped at the Point of Ness Campsite, close to the Stromness Ferry Port.
Skara Brae and the house nearby are worth visiting.
I went across to Rousey and rode around it. Interestingly, the wind was beastly. It slowed me down so much that I missed the last ferry and had to spend the night in the waiting room. Thankfully the key holder let me stay so down went the mat, sleeping bag and out came the stove. Brilliant!

First ferry back the next 🌅 morning @ 6.30.

Re NC500. Unless you are intent on riding as far west on it I can suggest taking the A836 from Tongue to Lairg as an alternative. The road is very smooth and a real pleasure to Altnahara. From there it’s a bit bleak and exposed. Lairg is a nice place to overnight and to ride off elsewhere from. I rode on to Ullapool ( absolute joy) then caught the ferry to Stornoway to do the Hebridean Way.

[Matt2matt2002]

Plus one for In4's comments.
I also took his route South to Ullapool via Lairg.

Matt

[haqattaqq]

Re NC500. Unless you are intent on riding as far west on it I can suggest taking the A836 from Tongue to Lairg as an alternative. The road is very smooth and a real pleasure to Altnahara. From there it’s a bit bleak and exposed. Lairg is a nice place to overnight and to ride off elsewhere from.

I did the Hebridean way last year and just loved it... but I found it bleak and exposed (but beautiful!) - would you think that going west from Tongue to Durness (and then south to Rhiconich/Laxford Bridge) is not worth it? It looks like there are some nice lochs and a few cool sights along there, but if it's filled with caravans and motor homes maybe that's not worth it.

That's great to hear that the Orkney's are so great. I'll look into spending a few more days there.