Gairloch Wester Ross Coast and Moor Loop

A full day in Wester Ross, one of the emptiest and most beautiful parts of the Highlands. The loop follows a long, wooded freshwater loch beneath steep mountains, crosses a great expanse of open moor, then climbs a high, remote road and drops to a coast of sea lochs, white-sand bays and island views.

This is real remote riding. Parts of the road are single-track with passing places, particularly early on and near the coast, and there are cattle grids and gates to cross with care. Fuel is the main constraint: there is a gap of more than seventy miles with no confirmed pump, so fill up before you leave and again at the first opportunity. Allow far longer than the distance suggests, and keep a margin of daylight.