It is interesting that you found many people were doing the NC500 in an anticlockwise direction. We did our trip clockwise and, to be perfectly frank, the section from John O'Groats to Inverness was pretty bland and boring. The only parts we found pretty and interesting were Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle. The same cannot be said for the west coast with stunning views at every turn, so perhaps it is better to go anticlockwise as the scenery just keeps getting better and better. Will be researching our 2022 trip this weekend. Thank you once again, an excellent TR!