The North Coast 500: Classic

Day 1 – Inverness to Contin

We’ll meet you in Inverness mid-morning before a full trip intro and orientation over coffee. We’ll then spend some time checking over your own bike or getting you fitted with one of our Trek hire fleet. Rolling out of Inverness we’ll ride for around an hour before reaching Beauly for lunch. Explore the village and take a wander through the 13th century priory. From Beauly it’s an easy cruise on quiet back roads to reach our historic and welcoming hotel in Contin (L, D)

Ride details: 22mi/35km | 262m/865ft of ascent

Day 2 – Contin to Shieldaig

An easy cruise on rolling roads out of Contin takes us north to Garve before we strike west through increasingly mountainous country. From Achnasheen onwards, we cross the watershed before riding downhill through forest and mountains to reach the west coast at Strathcarron. From here we have some climbing (and descending) to reach our overnight accommodation right by the water in the village of Shieldaig. Here we will stay for 2 nights (B, L)

Ride details: 59mi/94km | 872m/2876ft of ascent

Day 3 – The Bealach na Ba

Today’s ride has been voted the best day cycle in the UK and the regular feedback we get from cyclists far and wide supports that view. A short warm up from Shieldaig prepares the legs for what lies ahead. The Bealach na Ba is the UK’s highest and toughest road climb and climbs right from the sea to the summit at 626m. The average grade of 7% hides the fact that there are some ramps of up to 20% which provide a serious test. The reward at the top is the most incredible view of the Scottish Islands and West Coast. After an amazing descent, we’ll enjoy an equally amazing seafood lunch at the Applecross Inn. From here we follow the spectacular coastal road which eventually takes us back to Shieldaig (B, L)

Ride details: 45mi/72km | 1433m/4730ft of ascent

Day 4 – Shieldaig to Dundonnell

After yesterday’s big day you’ll surely be lifted by the magnificent scenery which dominates the day. Today’s route winds it way through arguably the most spectacular landscapes in the UK. Dramatic mountains rise like ancient giants providing an unforgettable backdrop to the riding. The camera, as well as the legs, will be working hard today. An early lunch in the fishing village of Gairloch offers an opportunity to recharge with some local seafood before we continue around the coast. Our destination for this evening is Dundonnell. (B, L)

Ride details: 66mi/106km | 1370m/4522ft of ascent

Day 5 – Dundonnell to Lochinver

We’ll make an early start today to give time to explore and relax in the vibrant village of Ullapool. Enjoy a coffee by the harbour or browse in the local craft shops and bookstores. We climb out of Ullapool where another amazing mountain scene reveals itself. The rest of the day is spent on some simply brilliant roads. Our favourite section (known locally as “the wee mad road”) squeezes between mountains and sea on the way to Lochinver and our overnight stop. (B, L)

Ride details: 55mi/88km | 1338m/4418ft of ascent

Day 6 – Lochinver to Scourie

You might want to hold back on the full Scottish breakfast this morning as the first 22 miles of the day almost defy description. A looping ribbon of tarmac climbs and descends for over 3300ft/1000m through the most incredible coast and mountain scenery – it may be like no road you have even ridden before! We’ll recharge with lunch by the iconic bridge in Kylesku before continuing north along the coast to the crofting village of Scourie. If the sun is shining, enjoy a cool beer among the palm trees overlooking the harbour and remind yourself you’re actually in Scotland! (B, L)

Ride details: 35mi/56km | 1033m/3409ft of ascent

Day 7 – Scourie to Bettyhill

Today is the most distance we’ll cover in a single day of the trip, winding our way through the most northerly road on the UK mainland. Our first milestone is Durness where we will ride past some unspoilt and stunning beaches. An essential stop here is Cocoa Mountain where we can get a local chocolate hit before turning east and tackling the hilly roads which leads us around and then across two fjord-like sea lochs. Our destination for this evening is the village of Bettyhill, perched right on the coast overlooking Torrisdale Bay. (B, L)

Ride details: 66mi/106km | 1436m/4740ft of ascent

Day 8 – Bettyhill to Brora

Our journey continues east along the coast, passing some superb beaches on this unspoilt section of rugged coast. At the sands of Melvich we turn south and head into the “Flow Country”. We exchange wild coast for wild moorland where few cars travel and traverse a remote and isolated valley to cross the west-east watershed. Here we climb through an even more wild and beautiful glen before descending to the East Coast. Upon hitting the coast road it’s a short distance to our overnight stop at Brora. (B, L)

Ride details: 57mi/91km | 1039m/3429ft of ascent

Day 9 – Brora to Dingwall

Our penultimate day kicks off with a ride inland following a quiet backroad which takes us past three lovely lochs before climbing and descending into Strath Brora. We’ll stop for an early lunch in Lairg and then continuing riding south alongside the lovely River Shin. This is one of the best places to see salmon leaping upstream on their own journey to their spawning grounds. We rejoin the coast at the Dornoch Firth and then have the day’s biggest climb to tackle, some 200m over the Cadha Mor. Compared to what’s gone before you should take this in your stride before descending to Evanton and our overnight castle accommodation in Dingwall. (B, L)

Ride details: 65mi/104km | 1082m/3571ft of ascent

Day 10 – Dingwall to Inverness

The final push. After 9 days of epic riding, just 45 miles lie between you and completing this incredible and challenging bike tour. As we hit the Black Isle you’ll welcome the fast and rolling roads. It’s great cycling here through rolling farmland and friendly villages. It’s tempting to dwell awhile in the historic backstreets of Cromarty and we’ll certainly have a great lunch here before riding the final 20 miles to Inverness. Crossing the Moray Firth, victory is in sight and we’ll finish were we began, right on the esplanade of Inverness Castle. Muster up your final reserves of energy for a celebratory dinner in Inverness (B, L, D).

Ride details: 45mi/72km | 670m/2214ft of ascent

Day 11 – Depart Inverness

Take it easy this morning over a relaxed breakfast before packing the bikes and saying farewell to the Highlands. Alternatively stay on in the Highlands for some recovery time – ebikes available to get from the hot tub to the bar! (B)