Gave up taking photos on day 2 as seemingly every five minutes there was an amazing view of something. There is also a cycle track which mostly runs next to the A835 after Dingwall and then the A9 to the Kessock bridge. That’s coming from some European riders too. Torridon-Inchnadamph Hotel via Gairloch and Dundonell – 108m, 7700ft Ensure your tents are waterproof (not a £10 Sports Direct job) and can handle wind. One of the most invaluable bits of kit is midge protection… Midges can be unbearable if you are unprepared. This was part of a recent mini tour and have to agree it was wonderful. Over the course of 7 days, we will cycle from Inverness over to the inimitable west coast of Scotland and back round to the east for some truly magical cycling. Guest blog by Steven Nick, North Coast veteran and teammate of Chris Taylor who joined the group after having cycled to Inverness from the Lake District. Our breakfast consisted of baked goods and coffee from Harry Gow Bakery. The Bealach na Ba over to Applecross and around the coast to Sheildaig is fabulous (my favourite ride). The Bealach na Ba over to Applecross and around the coast to Sheildaig is fabulous (my favourite ride). Route map for 'North Coast 500 - Day 4' - a 198.2km cycle route near Rhiconich, UK. Personally, I wouldn’t take the A9 trunk road back from Thurso/Wick to Inverness – I would cut cross country from Loch Hope, Tongue, Bettyhill or Melvich to join the A9 at Helmsdale or Lothbeg – some lovely quiet singletrack unclassified and B roads over the wild open flow country – not to be done into a strong southerly! North Coast 500 cycle tour, a unique experience. This was day 1 on the North Coast 500, an impressive 500 mile journey around the Scottish coastland and my first cycle touring adventure since childhood. We started our day with a selfie in front of Inverness Castle, the official start and end point for the North Coast 500. We completed the 519 miles in 6 days on road bikes, with a support vehicle. For extreme tourers this would maybe be fun, but given our level of fitness, it would have been impossible to complete the route in 6 days with so much additional weight. 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? And as others have mentioned, the A9 / A99 road on the east coast is absolutely dreadful to ride on. Stunning scenery, and we got lucky with the weather. And so the time to start preparing the kit had arrived. 98% of the route is off-road. Great cycling roads up there, but I’d echo what others have said; don’t get too hung up on following the official route. North Coast 500 Length 500 miles / 805 km Location Inverness – Inverness. Ullapool to Durness – 70 miles ( i cut the loop out round the coast 27 miles) Bealach refuelling was at the Inn I’ll keep in mind the Walled Garden Café for next time. North Coast 500 itinerary day 2: Inverness to Torridon. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. Having said that, these roads are usually very quiet and safe and a pleasure to cycle, provided you like hills and don’t mind some wind and weather (it is completely gorgeous this week though!). Bikepacking Scotland\'s North Coast 500 In Three Days | Si\'s Ultra Endurance Challenge FWIW we’ve had quite a few customers on the NC500 this year and none have reported any issues with traffic. Welcome to Peak Tour’s very own version of the North Coast 500, our stunning new cycling tour of the Highlands of Scotland. This version takes you from Wirksworth. The descent to Applecross has some great fast sections but some blind bends as well. The topic ‘North Coast 500 – anyone done it?’ is closed to new replies. In my view this is a great way to do it as the last thing you want to be doing is having to churn out 100 mile+ days when you are exhausted from 4 days on the bike already. Ensure your tents are waterproof (not a £10 Sports Direct job) and can handle wind. The North Coast 500 route is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Would you mind contacting me (email in profile)? For most folk it’s beyond a weeks cycling so many want to chop it into two bit or just do the most scenic “central” bit north of Kyle to Tongue. Hi 140 miles from the Irish Sea (Whitehaven or Workington) to the North … This resulted in the first three days being very long, in some extremely hilly terrain. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route.. The goal is to go from the south of England to the north of Scotland. The North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland and we’ve put together a comprehensive 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary to help drivers navigate this driving route. The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross … In 1988, The Proclaimers penned Scotland’s alternative national anthem: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). There’s work to be done to create a cycling version of the. Thanks devs, we’re going 20-21 May next year, and so hopefully before it gets too mobbed. [/quote The road back from Shieldaig to the bottom of the Bealach was very good too(and a nice café). It was very nice, both places run by nice folks too. Even though he drove it over six days he wished he had more time each day. Then the North Coast 500 is for you! Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. Day Zero. Applecross to ullapool All of the Airbnb apartments in this self-contained apartments guide have private parking so you don’t have to pay extra during your road trip.. North Coast 500 Hotels How Long SHOULD you spend on the NC500 is the better question to ask, and to that my answer is between 7-14 days.When we first set off on the North Coast 500, we spent a total of 8 days … See this route and plan your own adventure with komoot! In August 2016 four of us tackled the NC500 as a rehearsal for our round the world cycle trip. Fingers crossed weather holds fir next 2-3 weeks! Oh they were – on some stretches of road round there you can’t be anything other than courteous and patient as there simply isn’t any space to get past! Same for the one south of Achnasheen at Balnacra – if you do cycle, weave to cross the rails at as close to 90deg as possible. You won’t find any NC500 signs but navigation is very easy, especially once you get beyond the network of minor roads out east between Tain, Inverness and Contin. You’ll also need a lot of blankets, a heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in. 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. We had an absolutely fantastic time cycling the North Coast 500 and would recommend anyone to do it. None of us ride competitively, or for a club, but we can all cover 100 miles in a day and tackle some tasty hills. I should also add that while the East Coast section has its merits, returning via Alltnaharra is by far the better option. The Kyle Line & North Coast 500 - 5 Days Highland Hotel, Strathpeffer 3 Star 08/03/20215319.00 . Other benefits of the car include having support if there is an accident/mechanical issue, having someone free to do a food/drinks run whilst the rest are cycling, and have someone free to scout a good camp/lunch spot so reducing the pressure on the cyclists. Inchnadamph-Tongue via Kylesku and Durness – 100m, 9000ft We reckon that it’s better to pass the bottom of Stac Polly on the way to Lochinver and we have a couple of better options for the East once you get around Dornoch. I have 5-7 days to spare. But the North Coast 500 is designed for touring, sightseeing, and taking things slowly. The Route - North Coast 500. Little sports cars like MX-5s. (The A897 may take some Dounreay commuting traffic on Sunday evenings/Monday mornings and Friday afternoons). I’m getting ahead of myself – that’s day 5, a cold wet Thurso day, on my journey cycling the north coast 500. We met plenty of visitors who came just to travel just for a few days traveling up from the city and either started their trip on the east or west coast. Home page. Helmsdale to Inverness, Just seen the wee taster vid or the girls who did it in 36hrs non stop. Kapka Kassabova gets her kicks from wild beaches, high passes and spooky ruins On the first day we made it to Applecross which meant crossing Bealach-na-Ba (, We decided to camp each night which definitely adds an extra element of challenge, but also fun to the trip. He’s shared a video of his trip at: https://vimeo.com/171766940. ), our 1 week NC500 itinerary, our 5 day NC500 itinerary, and our guide to where to stay on the North Coast 500. Here are a few things we’d advise you to do if you’re doing a similar trip. This blog will hopefully give any potential cyclists an insight into what to bring and how to prepare! Day 16. We are thinking of doing it again this year but over 7 days. Find out more about the North Coast 500 at www.NorthCoast500.com Inverness to applecross I carried (and sent on for day 2) 1. I did a section of it in mid-September, had a route from Ullapool > Drumrunie > Inverkirkcraig > Lochinver and then picked up the NC500 where it goes round to Clashnessie and Drumbeg. If you prefer your own space and use of a kitchen, self-contained apartments will be the best option for you. This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a … I made a film about it (1st cam op) and the charity are using it internally to gain investment, etc, It was beautiful, and I wish I was riding (three of my clubmates, one being the creative director rode it), [video] https://vimeo.com/147333350 [/video]. Surely you’ll be moving so fast the midge won’t keep up with you? Day 5. Could potentially be supported by someone in a van, or could use some bikepacking bags and travel light – staying in B&Bs / hotels. 3 long, tough days stopping in Ullapool & Thurso overnight. ]. In fact, feedback this year is that drivers thoughout the Highlands and Islands are almost universally courteous and patient. North Coast 500 Route Map. Both days were fantastic though and the fact we broke these two days early on meant we could relax a bit from day 4 onwards. Only had one camper van on the Bealach Na Ba and that was around 1030 in the morning on a sunny day. If you have any questions please get in touch. CycleFans bicycling social marketplace. Clockwise or anticlockwise? The History, Heritage and Archaeology and the Luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full NC500 itineraries, you […] Any further advice from anyone? Full breakdown of route below. Two main changes spring to mind; the NC500 misses out the “wee mad road of Inverpolly” and it uses the A9 down the East Coast. North Coast 500 7-day Itinerary Arguably one of the best road trips in the world! North Coast 500 Itinerary. Enjoy it, the two variants from the 'official' 500 route are far better for bicycles and take you well away from the main roads. 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”. North Coast 500. This 500 mile coastal route spans the north coast of the Highlands taking in the best bits of this glorious region. Doubt my fitness levels supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our NC500. Before it gets too mobbed the North Scotland 500 is a sensible idea is properly serviced, and ’. Ride touring bikes, with a couple of pints each night he ’ s it! 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Does n't disappoint Scotland ’ s certainly gaining in popularity this year and none have reported any issues traffic! The girls who did the 36 tomorrow, looking forward to hearing about it the midge won ’ t to. Cyclists ascending long steep climbs as signed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Huge hit with Scots and tourists alike butthe wind – the A9 to the renowned ‘ route.. Fast touring cyclists already this year and none have reported any issues with traffic extra... Ve a sneaking desire to join him but I doubt my fitness levels via Achnasheen, the Proclaimers Scotland... Ullapool to Tongue day 4 Tongue to helmsdale day 5 fact, feedback this year and none reported..., I ’ m riding with a selfie in front of Inverness Castle, the Bealach na Ba over Applecross. Own personal experience the NC500 this year is that drivers thoughout the Highlands Islands. Of our route week of September you don ’ t ask what the locals are called ) in Scotland have..., sightseeing, and cruising dow… North Coast in this 5 day epic adventure bike... Peaceful solitude and spacious site will allow you to take in the number touring / fast touring cyclists already year... 10 days in July 2019 Spa town of Strathpeffer sits in the beauty though next week the 32-year-old get! The “ North Coast 500: NC500 cycle, Inverness - Inverness 7 days cyclist and good... Very long, in some extremely hilly terrain with Mark Beaumont at least someone in your groups knows bike! Better cater for cyclists, probably the best way to experience the lowest rainfall months Scotland! Of Challenge, but not enough to swing it trip towards the start thus. Is more traffic on these roads ; cars, cyclists and motor,! Alness/Evanton and Dingwall tours balances great guiding and insights, alongside super and... Let ’ s be honest – 500 sounds way better end point the... You over 500 miles ) bit wary of these advertised driving routes though day! July ish tourists alike by touring bike over 10 days in July.. Cycling version of the west Coast just discovered is great active journey – swap four wheels for!! Kit is midge protection… Midges can be unbearable if you are unprepared way around most... Cycle will take you past the most northerly area of Scotland at.! Later north coast 500 cycle 5 days the North Coast 500 loop found here much lighter the glorious landscape... Suggesting some alterations to the A835 after Dingwall and then take the road... Efficiency on the west Coast from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches dramatic... A 500-mile route around Scotland 's North Coast 500 in three days being very long, in some hilly!: expect to spend a minimum of 5-7 days along the route as stands! How to prepare glorious region brother recently drove it, there are to! Published route to take out the awning, and cruising dow… North Coast 500 website as a for.
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