To remedy this, a friend suggested we cycle the north coast 500 around north west scotland. There are several superb routes throughout the main nc500 route to explore and discover 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 its communities. 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. Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of scotland, the north coast 500 is one of the worlds most beautiful road trips. North coast 500 the ultimate road trip around the north. We offer 4 guided and supported options of the nc500 itinerary so you can plan your north coast 500 cycle and benefit from our expertise as europes no. Cycling 500 miles around the scottish coastline in 7 days is a tough ride. Please adjust accordingly to your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. Scotlands north coast 500 is a spirited 516 miles of jutting mountains, vast lochs, subtropical gardens and huge sea caves along the wild coast of the northern highlands. Cycling the north coast 500 in the scottish highlands in 6 days hidden past kevin macleod licensed under creative commons. Join us on a road cycling tour through some scotlands most dramatic scenery, as we ride the best sections of the north coast 500.
The ultimate north coast 500 route and how to plan your own. The north coast 500 map has been created for those interpid adventurers undertaking the 500 mile round trip from inverness, through the black isle all around the north coast of scotland, down the uniquley scenic west coast of sutherland and wester ross before finally returning crosscountry to. We did a lot of research before our trip so weve put together this ultimate north coast 500 guide book to assist you in planning your own epic scottish highlands road trip. Ride your own north coast 500 by emily chappell the. The total ascent is the equivalent of cycling to camp 3 on mount everest, twice and we havent even mentioned the wind, its almost guaranteed to blow and as we are navigating the coastline at some point it will be in your face. Since its launch in 2015, the north coast 500 has been named many things scotlands answer to route 66, the only way to discover the highlands and one of the best coastal road trips in the world. Comprehensive north coast 500 road trip planning guide.
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. A fantastic 500 mile road trip through the stunning scenery of scotlands north west highlands and along the dramatic caithness coastline. North coast 500 scotland nc500 cycling challenge what. Read our guide to cycling scotlands north coast 500 cycle route aka the. Although there are hotels all over the north coast 500 route, some modest and other grand, it is traditional for holidaymakers to stay in bed and breakfasts in scotland. The north coast 500 is a 516mile scenic route along scotlands northern coast, offering drivers rugged landscapes, sandy benches, wildlife, museums, castles, whisky distilleries, and so much more.
Cycling the north coast 500 scotland edinburgh bicycle coop. Ride the best sections of the north coast 500, on a 7day road cycling tour through the untamed beauty of the scottish highlands. Challenging 500 mile cycle tour in some of the most spectacular scenery in the uk. Sep 07, 2016 loads of people signed up, and some of us whod been on the original north coast 500 ride started to feel jealous especially when we remembered all the nicelooking cafes and campsites wed sped past on our own nonstop effort. The north coast 500 is no longer an unknown loop around the scottish highlands. The only north coast 500 guide youll need from the uk travel bloggers that know it best. Jan 09, 2020 our recommended north coast 500 hotels guide where to stay along the nc500. The north coast 500 website has tips on what to do should you encounter animals on the route, though locals have said tourists are stopping to take pictures. The north scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows scotlands famous north coast 500, starting from inverness. These itineraries are based on the minimum amount of time we recommend to allocate for your journey. The history, heritage and archaeology and the luxury itinerary are available to view fully, however to unlock the full nc500 itineraries, you. North coast 500 scotland bikepacking adventure with mark.
We are looking for up to 15 cyclists interested in cycling the north scotland 500. North coast 500 in light of covid19, everyones health and safety is the most important thing. Whats the best time of year to tackle the scottish north coast 500 by car or motorcycle. Hire a bike with ticket to ride in inverness at the start of your trip. This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. The ultimate north coast 500 itinerary essential nc500. As well as being a mountaineer and scottish, angus is a keen cyclist. The north coast 500 route has been created and marketed in the hope it too becomes a pilgrimage.
Our goal was to complete the north coast 500 route that starts and. The car past with a wave of thanks and i stopped for a moment to take in the view and curse quietly under my breath. This route has been recently branded the north coast 500 and has been a huge hit with scots and tourists alike. In august 2016 four of us tackled the nc500 as a rehearsal for our round the world cycle trip. 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. Experience scotlands beautiful north coast in this 5 day epic adventure by bike. A carefully designed itinerary, travelling the north coast 500 driving route covering more than 500 miles of the best coastal scenery the north highlands has to. The goal is to go from the south of england to the north of scotland. Tips for cycling the north coast 500 in scotland the.
North coast 500 guide to driving scotlands best road trip. Ride the best sections of the north coast 500, on a 7day road cycling tour through the untamed beauty of the scottish. 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 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 best hostels along the north coast 500 along dusty roads. Cycling the north coast 500 route those who cycle the north coast 500 route are light travellers. North coast 500 cycle nc500 itineraries and tours wilderness.
Cycling the north coast 500 everything you need to know. He told me about the north coast 500, a new 500mile 800km route around the coast in the far northwest of scotland. This is our very own north coast 500 guide book for all you need to know about the scottish highlands road trip. The definitive north coast 500 guide along dusty roads. Of course 500 miles might be more than you want to consider for a relaxed cycling holiday. Touring 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. All cycling information included in the nc500 website is as correct as. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience. The north coast 500 or nc500 was created in 2015 by north highland initiative in an effort to develop sustainable economic growth across the north highlands. This means despite the love and desire to share our friendly, passionate and unique country, we must ask everyone at this time not to travel to our remote rural communities. However, as the going is slower in some parts than others, weve tried to balance this itinerary so you get fairly similar amounts of driving time each day. The north coast 500 route is scotlands answer to route 66. North coast 500 scottish route 66 book your tailormade. Cyclists want the ultimate scottish cycling challenge.
The north coast 500 guide book charles tait guide books. The north coast 500 is scotlands answer to route 66. Youd have to be if youre covering this route selfpowered on two wheels and have to carry your own luggage. You will be cycling just over 500 miles taking in 32000 feet of climbing following the north coast 500 route with a small group of 68 riders of similar ability alongside our experienced ride guide and crew whilst taking in scotlands most stunning scenery. Discovering the rugged coastal roads on scotlands official cycle touring route. The route begins in inverness and flows along the stunning coastal edges of the north highlands in one round trip. The north coast 500 is a 516mile scenic route along scotland s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of inverness, the capital of the scottish highlands. Ride the best sections of the spectacular nc 500 touring route. Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car come join us on our next nc500 cycling challenge. Scottish cycling holiday highland 500 from peak tours. Officially starting and finishing at inverness, the route sends you on a 516mile 830km loop of some of the wildest and spectacular paved roads, on a journey following scotlands rugged farnorth coastline. Apr 17, 2017 buy the north coast 500 guide book charles tait guide books first by tait, charles isbn. The north coast 500 guide book 9781909036604 boeken.
Weve put together a comprehensive north coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect north coast 500 road trip in scotland. It was an incredibly highwind day, it really was blowing more than a gale, but we were determined to walk the track to see the duncansby stacks. There is a fantastic report on cycle touring site pannier with some great photography of the north coast 500. The route starts in the northern city of inverness, then weaves along the west coast to applecross and then northwards towards the bustling towns of torridon and ullapool. Cycle the entirety of the main route or take the suggested minor roads to avoid. North coast 500 route touring motorcycle route routeyou. Ferry view is ideally located on the north coast 500 route for exploring the big skies of caithness and less than a mile from the gills bay ferry view details. The north coast 500 guide book charles tait guide books on. This 500 mile coastal route spans the north coast of the highlands taking in the best bits of this glorious region. There is no strict north coast 500 route where you stop, stay and play is entirely up to you but here is a flavour of the villages and activities we think make up the best north coast 500 places to visit. This extract is all about our preparations for that trip. Mark first pedalled the north coast 500 in 2015, straight after coming home to scotland after a 6000 mile race from cairo to cape town. In 2019, this new 800mile mainly offroad and carfree cycle route between england and the north coast of scotland was created. Welcome to peak tours very own version of the north coast 500, our stunning new cycling tour of the highlands of scotland.
North coast 500 experience scotlands answer to route 66 on our scenic selfdrive tour of the north coast of scotland. Travel our north coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey swap four wheels for two. Itineraries we have created ten itineraries to help you plan your ideal north coast 500 trip. The north coast 500 cycling tours and cycling holidays. But i hadnt ridden a bike for years and was woefully unprepared. Tips for cycling the north coast 500 in scotland the gearcaster. North coast 500 scottish route 66 book your tailormade tour. Experience scotlands answer to route 66 on our scenic selfdrive tour of the north coast of scotland. With those big miles in his legs, he completed the route nonstop in a record time of 37 hours. May 29, 2017 bikepacking scotlands north coast 500 in three days sis ultra endurance challenge duration. Buy the north coast 500 guide book charles tait guide books first by tait, charles isbn. Stand out, increase enquiries and attract more business. The north coast 500 the nc500 is an official route created by. Our guide on how to enjoy this epic journey, plus the best landmarks to visit, best places to stay, eat and drink.
Bear in mind, im still at the drafting stage and there will be further edits before the book. Aug 04, 2018 a comprehensive insight into this fantastic journey. A few months ago id never even heard of the north coast 500. Of course 500 miles might be more than you want to. The north coast 500 is a 516mile scenic route along scotlands northern coast that begins and ends in the city of inverness, the capital of the scottish highlands. My wife and i decided to go for a 10 day vacation to the uk, and decided that we would spend 5 days travelling the north coast 500. Since its launch in 2015 this route, branded as north coast 500 nc500, it has proved to be a resounding success, with motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists. North coast 500 inverness 2020 all you need to know.
Hostels on the north coast 500 hostelling scotland. This blog will hopefully give any potential cyclists. If you are planning to road trip around this scenic area of the scottish highlands, you may be wanting to spend the. Aug 30, 2016 the roads around scotlands north highland coast are older still. This tourist route takes in over 500mi 900km of some of the uks most stunning. Organised cycling tours on scotlands north coast 500 fully supported by ams outdoors. Scotlands incredible road trip takes in 500 miles around the north coast of scotland taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world theres no wonder they call it scotlands route 66. North coast 500 scotland bikepacking adventure with mark beaumont is an expert road ride. A carefully designed itinerary, travelling the north coast 500 driving route covering more than 500 miles of the best coastal scenery the north highlands has to offer, but within a leisurely weeks holiday.
Most scots and visitors alike are guilty of exploring only as far north as inverness, if they escape the bright lights of edinburgh and glasgow at all. 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 its communities. The north coast 500 is scotlands biggest road trip measuring over 500 miles. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Unfortunately this means that unless you book your accommodation well in advance, availability can quickly become nonexistent and you may end up paying through the nose to secure a bed for the night. Open all year and just 7 miles from john ogroats, the family run site is just off the a836 at gills bay, between thurso and john ogroats. East mey to thrumster after a delicious continental breakfast at the bunk house we drove to duncansby head. Cycling this journey does not require the most extensive experience for those that enjoy cycle tourer, you will. The official facebook page for the north coast 500.
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