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North Coast 500 Motorcycling Expedition
Lt Whimster
In August 2021, a small group of motorcyclists from The Second Battalion set off from Weeton Barracks to spend 6 days riding one of the most beautiful roads that the mainland UK has to offer: the North Coast 500. 500 miles of narrow, winding, Scottish coastal tarmac that weaves elegantly through mountains, lochs and seaside villages.
The trip began with a hearty slog of motorway miles to get us across the border and north to Inverness, where we were hosted by a generous and hospitable 3 SCOTS for the night. From here we attacked the Highlands anti-clockwise, starting with the flatter, more populated eastern coast. Fighting through strong winds and persistent rain, we arrived at John O’Groats, refreshed our coffee flasks and headed west, enjoying the view of the Orkney Islands off the coast.
As the roads began to narrow and the traffic thinned, the riding got better and better. Scotland’s dramatic mountains and glacial valleys made for eye-catching scenery and the smell from peat bogs filled the air. The bikes performed well and
carried us through this remote, isolated part of the country without fault. The riders, on
a strict diet of fish & chips, cigarettes and Tennent’s, similarly flourished.
Evenings were spent in small BnB’s dotted around the coast, some in small fishing towns with a warm dry pub to relax in, others with barely a soul in sight. The evening routine was fast perfected; brews on, jacket and boots by the fire and recollections of the day shared, especially any mishaps and embarrassing moments.
The group stopped at several noteworthy sights along the journey; the medieval Invergordon Castle, Stirling Bridge (site
of the William Wallace’s renowned battle
in 1297), Loch Ness, Glen Coe and the haunted Ardvreck Castle. Alas, no monster was seen at the famous Loch, but perhaps an even rarer sighting occurred: some Scottish sunshine.
The final leg of our journey returned
to the familiar motorway miles, helpfully accompanied by the onset of the national petrol shortage. Despite this, and some minor mechanical issues throughout the trip (worn breaks, stretched chains and a
flat tyre), the group nonetheless completed the journey in good time and, remarkably, without falling out with each other.
We extend our gratitude firstly to 3 SCOTS for their hospitality, and secondly
to all the friendly locals along the route who offered recommendations, shared stories and brought colour to our trip. In the spirit of Adventurous Training, all on the trip found themselves challenged and pushed beyond their comfort zone, be it during night riding in bad weather, dealing with mechanical faults or getting a knee down for the first time on a tight bend. A week well spent.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE