North Coast 500, Scotland

516 miles of idyllic Scotland. Starts and finishes in Inverness, capital of the Highlands

Roads to ride: The A832 through Glen Docherty with sweeping bends down to Loch Maree. Think 007 and Skyfall. The A838 along the north coast with Loch Eriboll as your backdrop. The Berriedale Braes on the east coast’s A9. Places to stay: The castle-like Torridon Hotel (£225/ night), the Kinlochewe Hotel and Bunkhouse (£90), Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness (£95), and The Tongue Hotel in Tongue (£140). Food and drink: The Storehouse at Foulis on the A9 – amazing food, staff and value. Also try a bottle of North Coast 500 Ale from the Black Isle Brewery. Events: Invercharron Highland Games, 15 Sept. Loopallu festival, Ullapool, 28-29 Sept. Tom Campbell