Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our next NC500 Cycling Challenge. Covering close to 530 miles according to our GPS, the route naturally follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands of Scotland, taking in the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the … (full route below) There’s a point to the miles being tapped out day after day, hour after hour. Never-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery are just a few things you can expect along the North Coast 500.Strap yourself in for the road trip of a lifetime. This more bike-friendly course takes in smaller roads on the West Coast, that motorhomes and caravans can't go on and away from the busy A9 on the East Coast, as well as including the beautiful Black Isle. As you near Lochcarron, the road becomes single track road…You will reside here for the night, in the stunning wee village of Lochcarron, amidst some of the finest scenery along the route. This 500-mile loop around the North Highland coast is perfect cycling country. Starts and ends in Inverness, with bikes and transport provided by Ticket to Ride, the Highland’s leading bicycle hire and cyclist transport specialists. Stop by Glen Ord Distillery (Muir of Ord) for a tour of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland or perhaps stretch your legs at the famous fish ladder of Rogie Falls, just over a mile North West of Contin- there are a series of waterfalls and forest trails. Seven nights; eight days of cycling on quiet, single-track paved roads along the new North Coast 500 route from Strathcarron to Inverness via John O’ Groats. Cycling The North Coast 500 Route Those who cycle the North Coast 500 route are light travellers. North Coast 500 from North Coast 500 on Vimeo. Book Now The North Coast 500 is the UK's ultimate cycling challenge. The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! Kickstart your morning with a wholesome Highland breakfast at Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop in Inverness, a haven for cyclists! You can hire bikes and equipment with: We all hope for an adventure without mechanical issues, but, if you and your bike do face a problem there are a number of bike workshops around the NC500 on hand to help, find out more here. Suitable for the ' Avid ' rider (it's hilly!). Experience the unique scenery of the west coast from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches to dramatic mountain peaks. August/September 2021 date to be fixed ... Cycling almost 520 miles around the Scottish coastline in five days is a tough ride. Scotland. Then the North Coast 500 is for you! North Coast 500 £1145 per person Cycling 500 miles around the Scottish coastline in 7 days is a tough ride but the spectacular scenery that you will cycle past is worth every pedal stroke. You’d have to be if you’re covering this route self-powered on two wheels and have to carry your own luggage. This will be a challenging 500+ mile supported ride over 7 Days, stopping at campsites along the route. The North Coast 500 is a challenge of terrain and variable weather and the leisurely pace gives you time to stop and enjoy the landscape and experience this unique environment and it’s communities. North Coast 500 includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals and more. While many NC500 travellers spend one night in a handful of different locations as they travel the route, a large proportion of visitors opt to set up base in a number of locations around the route – spending two or three nights in each place and getting to know the different regions that make up the route. Otherwise this morning’s cycle you will follow the route through the villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord and Contin. The road from Contin to Garve can be particularly dangerous for cyclists – check out a suggested alternative route. Set on 30 acres, 7 miles away from Inverness city centre, the estate provides a perfect escape for the NC500 visitor. The North Coast 500 (The NC500) is an official route created by the North Highland Initiative to “bring together the best of the north Highlands of Scotland in one iconic tour”. The trail passes castle ruins, endless beaches, mountain ranges and natural wonders like the 'Smoo Cave', a mystical limestone sea cave, which displays a spectacular cascading waterfall in wet weather. Learn more. Scotland is full of surprises and the Northcoast 500 will send you home with a host of memories that surpass your expectations of this barren land. Popular with motorists and motor homers, we think the best way to experience the NC500 is by bicycle. All distances are approximate and can vary up to 3% depending on which mapping software you use. The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! Share: A mighty 500 miles in just 3 days all around the coast of Scotland, with Mark Beaumont, the Round The World by bike World Record Holder? Meet like-minded cyclists before you make your way along the North Coast 500! Welcome to Peak Tour’s very own version of the North Coast 500, our stunning new cycling tour of the Highlands of Scotland. A journey around the 500 mile circular route which offers a spectacular array of mountain ranges, lochs, glens, castles, ruins, beaches and wildlife - not forgetting a range of memorable locations to sample some of the best of Scotland’s food and drink. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. It is a forum to share experiences and post and read about up-to-date information about cycling the NC500 and the Highlands in general. The North Coast 500 in the Highlands is ranked as one of the world's toughest endurance challenges as it has 34,423ft (10,492) of ascent - more than … Make the most of your run or ride with Strava Routes. The former teacher from Lochgelly, Fife is cycling, skating, scooting or swimming 50 miles a week for 50 weeks in order to celebrate her 50th birthday. This not-for-profit page was set up as a platform to disseminate what it is hoped will eventually become the definitive guide to cycling the NC500 and other roads in the area. This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. The information contained on the page will be kept up-to-date and will consider other cyclists’ perspectives, as appropriate. He was convinced we’d have no problem doing the whole thing in two weeks, and we believed him. Unless, like adventurer, broadcaster and Cycling UK member Mark Beaumont, you do it in 38 hours. Want the ultimate Scottish cycling challenge? Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries, Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury at all, For those on the go looking for all of the information at their fingertips, The perfect membership to travel the route with ease and style, Travelling in a group? We hired a couple of hybrid bikes from Ticket to Ride in Inverness. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. The North Coast 500 is an iconic route circumnavigating the entire north of Scotland, from Inverness, across to the west coast and then right around the west, north and east coasts, via John O’Groats, and back to Inverness. Our Community This information, and more, can be found on the NC500-a Cyclist’s Guide to the North Highlands facebook page which can be more easily updated on a regular basis. There are several superb routes throughout the main NC500 route to explore and discover.. Had a great time touring around the Scottish highlands, tough conditions but worth it! Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours. Video from bikepacking the North Coast 500 in Scotland last week. Cycling the NC500 There are several superb routes throughout the main NC500 route to explore and discover.. https://www.facebook.com/NC500cyclingguide/, NC500-Cycling Facebook Group For more information please join Karen Newman’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NC500cyclingguide/. Sample amazing local produce from incredible fresh seafood, organic meats and of course haggis, with the odd wee dram. This slightly alternative North Coast 500 was made in collaboration with the people behind the official driving route, to make an official NC500 Cycle Route. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. “This was a truly wonderful trip – fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and beautiful. Start and end in Inverness! Despite living with chronic pain and a foot that “feels like it weighs ten tonnes” following a Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago, Janet completed the North Coast 500 on her own by bike. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Alternatively, Sanachan Bunkhouse is located at the foot of the Bealach na ba- the perfect pit stop for a group. Fully supported cycling the Scottish North Coast route 500, from £1145 (7 days) ex flights. Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more. They're community curated and backed by Strava activity data to help you choose the right roads and paths. See this route and plan your own adventure with komoot! Self Guided+ Cycling – North Coast 500 We are open for bookings and are running holidays and trips We remain true to our values and we're reopening in a considered way, that respects each of you as individual travellers, while in equal measure respecting the communities that we visit. Inverewe Gardens - A Garden Pushing the Boundaries, Bike Shops and Cycle Repairs on the NC500 Route, https://www.facebook.com/NC500cyclingguide/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/242593866208238/, White Water Rafting on the North Coast 500. Experience Scotland's beautiful North Coast in this 5 day epic adventure by bike. He told me about the North Coast 500, a new 500-mile (800km) route around the coast in the far north-west of Scotland. Taking in incredible mountain scenery on amazing roads through dramatic landscaped NC500 - The North Coast 500 Road Cycling Challenge Please adjust accordingly to  your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. The North Highlands are a superb location for cycling and mountain biking. © 2018 North Coast 500 | All Rights Reserved | Design by, Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury at all, Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries. You will cover approximately 40 miles this afternoon, take a rest from the pedals and soak up the scenery in Achnasheen with a picnic. © 2018 North Coast 500 | All Rights Reserved | Design by. The North Coast 500 is a challenge of terrain and variable weather and the leisurely pace gives you time to stop and enjoy the landscape and experience this unique environment and it’s communities. It contains additional information pertinent to cycling in the area that can’t be included on this NC500 website due to commercial considerations or because the information covers areas outwith the NC500 route. There’s a feeling of strength, purpose and oneness I found whilst cycling the North Coast 500 that’s hard to come by in other parts of my life.. 500 miles ~ 6 days ~ 10,000m climbing. All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. Although the public cannot post on this Facebook page, constructive comments are welcomed. Carron Restauant – a family run restaurant near Strathcarron (slightly of the main route). At the time, Mark, who set a record for cycling 18,000 miles around the world in 2008, said: “This ride is the furthest I’ve ridden in one non-stop outing by a very long way. Strava Cycling Route North Coast 500 Cycle Route Strava Routes. Pick up some supplies when cycling through Lochcarron and cook up a feast at Sanachan Bunkhouse. North Coast 500 cycling tour in Scotland. https://www.facebook.com/groups/242593866208238/. With the Bicycle tour North Coast 500, you have a 9 days tour package taking you through Inverness, Scotland and 6 other destinations in Europe. Cycle the entirety of the main route or take the suggested minor roads to avoid the heavy traffic on some of the main A roads. Please adjust accordingly to your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. In May 2017 Mikaela Toczek cycled the North Coast 500, also known as Scotland's Route 66. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. The North Coast 500 Only three years since its inception, the North Coast 500 has already become one of the worlds iconic road touring routes. Get inspired for your next cycling adventure! Rockvilla Restaurant – located in Lochcarron, enjoy an array on wonderful ingredients, creating the most innovative of dishes. This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a huge hit with Scots and tourists alike. https://www.facebook.com/NC500cyclingguide/. Twenty-seven years later, the North Highland Initiative created a 500-mile … Komoot user Global Cycling Network recorded a road ride: North Coast 500 - Scotland Bikepacking Adventure with Mark Beaumont. The route maps and elevation graphs have been plotted using BikeHike. Cycling this journey does not require the most extensive … This is a closed group but anyone is invited to join. A mighty 500 miles in just 3 days all around the coast of Scotland, with Mark Beaumont, the Round The World by bike World Record Holder? Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two. There is a 519 mile road route, running in a circular loop from Inverness in the east, cross country to the west, up the coast, across the northern highlands and back down the east coast from John O’Groats. Karen Newman, local cyclist and cycle trainer has compiled a series of information on cycling the NC500 and Northern Scotland in general to provide you with advice for planning your trip and having a safe and enjoyable journey: All cycling information included in the NC500 website is as correct as possible as of April 2018.