The road from Contin to Garve can be particularly dangerous for cyclists – check out a suggested alternative route. 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. Please adjust accordingly to your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. 18 Sept - 24 Sept 2021. 10 days [Free] North Coast 500 itinerary and tips created by a Scot. Heading north we visit a well-preserved section of Hadrian’s wall with still visible turrets and the outline of a Roman fort before venturing into the Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Parks. We pick the tour dates to make the best of the weather and also avoid the crowds in peak season. 5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary. Heading south again, you ride through the rolling Trossachs National Park and along the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond… on the route to your hotel over the border in the quiet Lake District National Park. #Scotland's #NC500 itinerary takes you on a loop from Inverness to John o' Groats and back down passing white beaches, villages and distilleries. With it being the UK however it could be sunshine, rain or anything in between. Starting your NC500 adventure: Rather than take the main NC500 driving route – you may wish to take the head to Contin via the Sustrans National Cycle Route (more info here). Ride along the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond through the Trossachs National Park and south past Glasgow to visit Gretna Green, where generations of English lovers were married against their parents’ wishes. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. Sixty countries and counting … The route of 516 miles, with a dramatic fjord-like coastline of complex geography and geology and some amazing scenery with glistening sea lochs and many uninhabited Islands keeping watch. This supported NC500 cycle will take you past the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer! With a visit Scotland’s capital city to enjoy the excellent fare, a day trip to the rugged Isle of Skye and finally a ride south to explore the National Parks of northern England, and the famous ’Cat and Fiddle’ road it’s the best way to see what these lovely regions have to offer. This version of the North Coast 500 is ideal for cyclists who prefer to travel at their own pace, and have a bit more flexibility. 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. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two! Watch out for wildlife and farm life who also like to roam these roads. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). A few short hills will be encountered. See the Castle looking down over Princes Street Gardens. Not all of our accommodation providers provide cycle facilities. Twenty-seven years later, the North Highland Initiative created a 500-mile route around Scotland’s most northerly coastal roads. 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. BEST TIME TO GO: March to October. It was four years since my last visit to Scotland, and I ended up returning in a most unexpected way.A few months ago I’d never even heard of the North Coast 500; now I’ve only gone and cycled it.. Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our next NC500 Cycling Challenge. You may wish to stop at the Coul House Hotel for a mid-morning coffee break before continuing on along the route or stock up on some nutritious snacks for lunch at a village store along route. It’s the Most Beautiful Drive on Earth! North Coast 500. Then on past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, before visiting the site of the massacre at Glencoe, on the ride to your hotel in Oban. The North Coast 500 snakes its way through some of the most incredible places. 21 day guided tour of the British Isles exploring the best biking road, historical sights, national parks and more. Road trip Scotland's answer to Route 66 with this comprehensive NC500 travel guide. If you have never toured in Scotland you have been missing out. A taste of how rugged and deserted Scotland can be today as you ride a coastal circuit of the Isle of Skye. Detailed daily itinerary including sights and suggested coffee and lunch stops. Back on the mainland we ride east and join the Great Glen at Invergarry. 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. The brilliant route around Scotland's north coast by touring bike over 10 days in July 2019. From rugged landscapes, heritage sites and castles all the way through to the most amazing roads! In August 2016 four of us tackled the NC500 as a rehearsal for our round the world cycle trip. North Coast 500 from North Coast 500 on Vimeo. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. STARTS South East, UK Alternatively, Sanachan Bunkhouse is located at the foot of the Bealach na ba- the perfect pit stop for a group. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. Leaving the beauty of the Lake District National Park and on to the border with Scotland via Hadrian’s wall. 14 days Organised Cycling Tours on Scotlands North Coast 500 fully supported by AMS Outdoors. North Coast 500 - Distance: 816.99 km - Elevation: 2029 hm - Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. The previous PB was 270 miles. Scotland is beautiful, historic and extremely hospitable. How about a Self Guided version of this tour? Posted in: Touring. Heading back south through the lakes we ride to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and through the Forest of Bowland, before continuing south to the Peak District National Park. The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! 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. And so the time to start preparing the kit had arrived. How about a Self Guided version of this tour. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours. 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 … North Coast 500: Stunning! Ride this iconic coastal road, a route that has been named as one of the top 6 coastal road trips in the world. We will be following the official NC500 route as far as Melvich but for a number of safety reasons have chosen not to continue with the official route past this point as it takes us on the very busy A9 dual carriageway. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. 12/09/23 – 22/09/23. Leaving Edinburgh behind, you head north to the original Scottish capital of Perth, and continue through the Cairngorms National Park to Inverness. 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