Highland Games take place on the NC500 throughout the summer. Credit: Angus Chan
For most cyclists, the North Coast 500 offers more than enough interest, with plenty of fabulous views, places to stop and attractions to visit. But how about adding to the experience by tying in with a range of great events and challenges in the summer of 2022?
This is our guide to some of the best of what's on along, or close to, the NC500 between April and September, 2022.
John O'Groats hosts an annual book festival.
What’s on…NC500 in April
John O'Groats Book Festival
When: From April and monthly
Where: Various venues in John o'Groats.
What: The fourth book festival in the village in the far north of Scotland, the 2022 John o'Groats Book Festival will host a series of events from March to October. See October below for more details.
See: festival.
Catch the surfing action at Thurso. Credit: jbdodane
Scottish National Surf Championships
When: April 15 to 17
Where: Thurso
What: Surfing usually makes for a great spectator event if the weather is fine. Watch as some of the best surfers compete in the national champs in whatever the seas throw up for them on the day.
See: surf champs
OutDores | The Loch Ness Garden Party
When: April 30
Where: Dores, near Inverness
What: Book in for a mix of mix of genres including electronic, house and techno. Names include Lone and Mark Archer.
See: OutDores
Ullapool on the NC500. Credit: FionaOutdoors
What’s on…NC500 in May
Crime & Thriller Festival
When: May 6 to 8
Where: Cromarty, Black Isle
What: A thrilling and suspenseful weekend book festival with many guests and novelists in this historic town on the Black Isle by the Moray Firth.
See: festival.
Ullapool Book Festival
When: May 7 to 9
Where: Ullapool
What: A great place to visit for a celebration of books and authors for across Scotland.
See: festival.
Isle Be Back Festival
When: May 13 and 14
Where: Muir Of Ord, near Inverness
What: Isle Be Back is an eighties music celebration with some of the biggest acts of the time and a mix of tributes to kick start the party.
See: festival.
Hooley In The Highlands
When: May 28
Where: Strathpeffer
What: Book in for a top line-up of country music artistes, who will be hoping to keep you dancing throughout the day.
See: Holly
Inverness is where many people start and finish the NC500.
What’s on…NC500 in June
Piping Inverness
When: June 25
Where: Bught Park, Inverness
What: The event incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships and will see pipe bands and Highland dancers competing. It’s fun day out for competitors and spectators alike.
See: Piping Inverness
St Ayles skiff
What’s on…NC500 in July
St Ayles Skiff World Championships
When: TBC
Where: Ullapool
What: Since 2013, Ullapool has played host to regattas that see traditional St Ayles skiff boats and crews competing in the coastal waters near the town. It's hoped the world champs will once again take place in Ullapool this summer. Keep an eye on the website. It is a great event for spectators, as well as rowers.
See: regatta
Belladrum Tartan Heart Rock Festival. Credit: Chris Upson
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
When: July 28 to 30
Where: Belladrum Estate, near Beauly
What: The popular music and arts festival returns to Belladrum Estate near Inverness in 2022. The line-up includes Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Emily Sandé, The Fratellis, Passenger, Shed Seven and more.
See: festival.
What’s on…NC500 in August
Black Isle Show
When: August 4
Where: Muir of Ord
What: The largest agricultural show in the north draws entries from all over Scotland. Last year’s Champion of Champions was a Shetland Pony. There is fun for all ages at this event.
See: show
Beautiful Plockton. Credit: Mike McBey
What’s on…NC500 in September
Jocktoberfest
When: TBC
Where: Old Allangrange, Munlochy
What: A celebration of beer at the Black Isle Brewery. Keep an eye on the website to see if the event is confirmed for 2022.
See: brewery
Plockton Kayak Carnival
When: September 9 to 11
Where: Plockton
What: The carnival is a way of saying thank you to the people, landscape and wildlife that have made the first decade of the kayak guiding company Sea Kayak Plockton so memorable. It will be weekend of kayaking, talks, food, ceilidh and good craic.
See: carnival.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.
What’s on…NC500 in October
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon
When: October 2
Where: Inverness
What: Take part in a running marathon from Fort Augustus to Inverness, or the 10k and 5k. There are still places up for grabs at this popular running festival.
See: Loch Ness Marathon.
NessBookFest
When: October 6 to 8
Where: Inverness
What: Lots of authors will be contributing to the free annual festival over a long weekend in Inverness.
See: festival.
John O'Groats Book Festival
When: TBC
Where: Various venues in John o'Groats.
What: The fourth book festival culminates in a weekend festival this month. Events include storytelling, musical interpretations, talks, interviews, book launches, visiting writers, local writers, workshops and The John o’Groats Story Walk.
See: festival.
What's more in 2022: Highland Games
No events list should be published for the Scottish Highlands without mention of the famous Highland Games. The traditional events pack a lot of history, culture and entertainment into one day.
Saturday July 9 – Tain Highland Gathering, Tain
Friday July 15 - Inverness Highland Games, Inverness
Saturday July 16 – Lochcarron Highland Games, Lochcarron
Friday July 29 – Durness Highland Gathering, Durness
Saturday July 30 – Halkirk Highland Games, Halkirk
August date TBC – Mey Highland Games, John O’Groats
Friday August 5 – Dornoch Highland Gathering, Dornoch
Saturday August 6 – Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Strathpeffer
Saturday August 20 – Helmsdale Highland Games, Helmsdale.
Make plans for the North Coast 500
If you want to discuss any plans or ideas you have for cycling the NC500 route in Scotland please do give Highland Transfers a call. We can help with luggage transfer between your overnight accommodations and we have a wealth of other information that we can discuss with you.