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    | Ullapool

    Road Cycling

    The North Coast 500: Highlights

    46 reviews


    Deposit From: £727£727
    Region: North West Highlands
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From: £2,795 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Craig Little


      Ride the best sections of the North Coast 500, on a 7 day road cycling tour through the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Travel on our NC500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two!

      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 and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland. The ever-changing landscape will take your breath away, leaving you eager to get back in the saddle wanting more every day.

      At the end of each day, have a well-deserved rest in carefully selected accommodation, with mouth-watering local food and drink providing the perfect fuel for the next day of riding. For more information check out the North Coast 500 cycling holiday itinerary.

      Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – West to the NC500 Read Less

      Day 1

      West to the NC500

      This morning we’ll meet at the railway station in Inverness. From there, a 1-hour transfer takes us to the tiny village of Achnasheen in Wester Ross. Here we have lunch and do a bike fitting before starting our ride – a leisurely route with more downhill than uphill, past beautiful Loch Maree to reach the coast at Gairloch. Here we settle into our hotel for the night and enjoy a welcome dinner.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Ride Details: 47 km / 29 miles | 450 m / 1,476 ft

      Day 2 – North to the Gorge Read Less

      Day 2

      North to the Gorge

      Riding from the door of the hotel, we hug the coastline of Wester Ross, passing mountains, moors and wild scenery as we ride north and then east along the NC 500. We end the day’s ride at the impressive Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here, we jump in the van for a 15-minute transfer into the pretty port of Ullapool, thus avoiding a short section of busy road. Settle into the hotel and then explore the village with its scenic waterfront and good pubs and restaurants.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Ride Details: 69 km / 43 miles | 1,147 m / 3,763 ft

      Day 3 – The Mad Road Read Less

      Day 3

      The Mad Road

      We start today with a cycle that takes you directly under one of Scotland’s most iconic small mountains, Stac Pollaidh. We reckon this is up there with one of the best day rides in Scotland! Explore the stunning Coigach peninsula with views across beautiful beaches backed by impressive mountains. We ride north along the coast to reach the port of Lochinver, where we’ll pause for lunch. We’ll then head north following ‘the wee mad road’. Your legs will soon realise why it has this name! We finish at a lovely hotel on the water’s edge. You can rest now – we’re here for 2 nights.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Ride Details: 89 km / 55 miles | 1,470 m / 4,823 ft

      Day 4 – Rest Day with Boat Trip Read Less

      Day 4

      Rest Day with Boat Trip

      We’re at the halfway point so we take a day off riding to recover. A van trip north, followed by a short ferry ride takes us across to Handa Island, a stunning wildlife reserve with incredible views of the north-west coast of Scotland and its distinctive mountainous scenery. Handa is home to one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies, including important numbers of guillemots and razorbills. On the island’s moorlands look out for great skua or ‘bonxie’ and arctic skuas. Stroll among the ruins of the old village abandoned by the last inhabitants in 1847 and from the clifftops try and spot dolphins, whales or basking sharks. In the afternoon you can relax at the hotel, or perhaps enjoy a short walk along the coast.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 5 – Reaching the North Coast Read Less

      Day 5

      Reaching the North Coast

      Riding from the door of the hotel, we set out on what is the most challenging day of the trip (remember that our support van is always available to give you a boost if required!). If you thought the scenery had been wild so far, it’s about to step up a notch! We’ll ride on rolling roads as we head north to reach the north coast at the tiny village of Durness. Turning east now, we weave around a couple of notable inlets before, just 10 miles from home, there’s a testing climb of 200m elevation gain. Make it to the top and it’s an easy coast down to the village of Tongue and our hotel for the night.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Ride Details: 107 km / 66 miles | 1,461 m / 4,793 ft

      Day 6 – East to Thurso Read Less

      Day 6

      East to Thurso

      A shorter ride today after the exertions of yesterday. We ride from the hotel, following the road east past lovely beaches and bold, isolated peaks. It’s a short but ‘lumpy’ ride, with several short but quite steep climbs, so your legs will be glad when we reach our hotel to check-in. With just a short ride to go tomorrow, we enjoy a celebratory dinner at our hotel.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Ride Details: 93 km / 58 miles | 1,063 m / 3,488 ft

      Day 7 – True North and John O’Groats Read Less

      Day 7

      True North and John O’Groats

      Riding from the hotel door, we set out on the final leg of this journey. Rather than head directly to John O’Groats, we detour to a viewpoint on Dunnet Head, which is actually the most northerly point on the Scottish mainland. We then continue around the coast to reach John O’Groats, the most northerly village on the Scottish mainland. Here, we can pose next to the iconic mileage sign and share stories with any ‘LeJoG’ riders over a coffee. All too soon, it’s time to go and we transfer south back to Inverness, arriving late afternoon.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
      Ride Details: 32 km / 20 miles | 236 m / 774 ft

      X
      Road Cycling
      The North Coast 500: Highlights

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency GBP

      Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      12th May - 18th May 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,795Book Now
      16th Jun - 22nd Jun 20257 place(s) leftAvailable £2,795Book Now
      28th Jul - 3rd Aug 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,795Book Now
      18th Aug - 24th Aug 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,795Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now
      X
      Road Cycling
      The North Coast 500: Highlights

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      During this trip, we will stay at carefully selected small hotels and guest houses along the route of the NC500, with two nights at Kylesku.

       

      Single Rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £645.00 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      This trip is ‘All Inclusive’. Breakfast is provided each morning at your accommodation and lunch each day will be either at a local cafe or a Wilderness picnic. Dinner each evening is also provided, and we will normally eat as a group with your guide recommending a local restaurant. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

      Specific dietary requirements are happily catered for please just inform us at the time of booking.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in small Highland hotels and guesthouses on a B&B basis.
      • All meals as stated in the itinerary.
      • The services of a professional and qualified Wilderness Scotland road cycling guide and support driver.
      • All transport throughout the trip begins and finishes in Inverness.
      • Loch Cruise on Day 4.
      Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

      Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 10.00am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to the station and dropped off for 5.00pm on the last day of the trip.

      For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland

      Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More
      Bike Hire

      We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire including road bikes, mountain bikes, and E-bikes.
      Find Out More

      Bring Your Own Bike

      You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike. If you’re bringing your E-bike along for the trip, please ensure it has a removable battery. Due to limitations around charging, E-bikes with non-removable batteries cannot be accommodated.

      If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

      In addition, please bring the following:

      • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
      • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
      • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

      Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

      • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
      • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

      Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

      If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

      Speak to an Expert

      Jane Gillies

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Jane a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

      Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.98 out of 5 based on 46 review(s) of Road Cycling – The North Coast 500: Highlights

       

      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      TE

      Theresa Evans

      Reviewed on 25/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 09/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 8

      The Bottom Line

      TB

      Tracy Bare

      Reviewed on 19/09/2023

      Age: 50 - 60
      Country: USA
      Trip Date: 19/08/2023
      Trips Taken: 3

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      We love Wilderness Scotland. This was our third trip with them, after a four year hiatus due to COVID. We'll be back! We can't recommend it highly enough!

      GM

      Gerry Morrison

      Reviewed on 18/09/2023

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: Canada
      Trip Date: 09/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 4

      The Bottom Line

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