For Motorbike, Car, Bicycle, or Walk, Explore the far north of Scotland

This next stage will take you North to discover Caithness and Sutherland, two counties that covers an area from the east coast to the west of Scotland of Highland Scotland, at the far top right corner of the Scottish Highlands an ancient land lived in by the Picts and invaded by the Vikings, the countryside and landscape varies discover stunning scenery, from high rugged and remote mountain ranges, rugged coastline and wild wind swept moors, crofting communities, fishing towns and villages, this region you will find a historical range of old castles, remnants of pictish, Romans and Viking settlements, standing stones, wild life reserves, UNESC, and brochs along with the more recent effects the history of the clearances leaving today the abandoned villages and houses now long empty.

• From John O Groats

Take the A836 to Thurso through the small communities and villages along the way of Hanna, Gills, East Mey, Mey, Scarsfkerry, Dunnet, Castle Town, and Murkle to Thurso, this is a real contender for truly great biking country, thousands of miles of quiet yet stunning roads.

• From Thurso

Continue on the A836 coastal road to Bettyhill about 30 miles, through the small communities and villages along the way of Crosskirk, Bridge of Forres, Lower Dounreay, Dounreay, Isauld, Reay, Fresgoe, Melvich, Big house, Portskerra, Baligill, Strathy, Brawl, Armadale, Kirtomy and Farr to Bettyhill.

Always remember your mobile phone will not always get a signal as you travel through this region

• From Bettyhill To Kinlochbervie

Is about 60 miles continue on the A836 through the small communities and villages along the way of Achina, Invernaver, Borgie, Stratongue, at Coldbackie, Skullomie, the road changes to the A838 over the bridge at Kyle of Tongue, the through Achuvoldrach, Moine Ho, Hope, Heilam, Erriboll and the small Island of Eilean Choraidh, Polla, Laid, Portnancon, Rispond, Sagobeg, Leirinmore, Durness, Balnakeil, Keoldale, Sarsgrum and past the Kyle of Durness, Gualin, then at Achriesgill take the B801 through Badcall,to Kinlochbervie and the finish of this part of the NC500.

This route in the summer will be fantastic, the weather is not always great but the ride and the drive will make it worth it, especially come Autumn and winter this route can be a challenge, so research before you go, this will allow you to enjoy this route and your destinations, being so remote it would be advisable to book accommodation before you go, following the route you want to take, especially if your break includes a ferry crossing and be aware of how long your journey will take.

If in are in a car or on a motorbike check the distance from one petrol station to another and what time they close.

If you are in a hire vehicle, is it petrol or diesel and what side is the tank.