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      | NC500 Cycling

      Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

      North Coast 500

      17 reviews

      Deposit From: £474£474
      Region: North West Highlands
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 165kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

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

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: £1,895.00 Book Now

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Craig Little

        This epic adventure on two wheels will take you through some of the wildest and most spectacular roads and scenery in Europe. This self guided but fully supported trip sees you journey from the breathtaking and ancient mountains of Torridon to the wild coasts of Assynt and the vast moorland of Sutherland.

        With your warm and welcoming accommodation arranged, your bikes prepped, and your soigneur taking care of all the details, all you have to think about is turning the wheels. With nearly 10,000 meters of elevation, this journey truly is a cycling trip of a lifetime.

        Road bike hire/rental is included in this itinerary, with an E-bike upgrade available for a supplement. For all the details, check out our bike fleet page.

        This price is based on a group of 6; prices will vary depending on group size. You can also choose to upgrade your accommodation on the final night of the trip. Please get in touch with the team to confirm the trip price for your group.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Inverness to Achnasheen Read Less

        Day 1

        Inverness to Achnasheen

        Meeting in Inverness, we’ll transfer a short way out of the city to a quiet spot where we will set up the bikes and ensure you are comfortable with the route before heading off. A leisurely cruise out of Inverness on rolling roads; keep your eye out for the red kites as you travel north to Garve. Here, the support vehicle will be waiting to provide a welcome snack before you start heading west. You’ll enjoy a smooth road and lovely views of the winding River Bran as the scenery becomes more mountainous. When you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll have time to settle in while your support guide adjusts the bikes to ensure they are ready to go tomorrow.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 64 km / 40 miles | 595 m / 1,952 ft

        Day 2 – Achnasheen to Shieldaig Read Less

        Day 2

        Achnasheen to Shieldaig

        Set out for the village of Strathcarron after breakfast today. The ride from this point on is incredible, and exploring the area by bike allows you to take in the stunning scenery. From Strathcarron, a short warm-up climb prepares the legs for what lies ahead. The Bealach na Ba is the UK’s highest and most challenging road climb. With hairpin bends and ramps of up to 20%, you’ll be working all the way to the top – although the support van is always there if you need a boost – where the most incredible view of the Scottish Islands and West Coast awaits. After a fantastic descent, our work isn’t quite finished with some punchy climbing around the spectacular coastal road, which eventually reaches the charming village of Shieldaig.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 102 km / 63 miles | 1,705 m / 5,594 ft

        Day 3 – Shieldaig to Corrieshalloch Gorge Read Less

        Day 3

        Shieldaig to Corrieshalloch Gorge

        After breakfast this morning, you’ll get back on the bike, ready for the day’s adventure. The route winds its way through arguably the most spectacular landscape in the UK. Dramatic mountains rise like ancient giants and provide an unforgettable backdrop. An early lunch in the fishing village of Gairloch offers an opportunity to recharge with some local seafood before we continue around the coast. We finish at Corrieshalloch Gorge, a dramatic river gorge named from the Gaelic for ‘ugly hollow’. A short transfer takes us to our destination for this evening – Ullapool, very much the “capital” of the Northwest Highlands, home to a great range of restaurants and bars.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 130 km / 81 miles | 1,815 m / 5,955 ft

        Day 4 – Ullapool to Kylesku Read Less

        Day 4

        Ullapool to Kylesku

        Start your morning with a climb out of Ullapool, rewarded with fantastic views as the mountain scene reveals itself. Today, you’ll be riding some truly epic roads. Our favourite section, known locally as “the wee mad road,” squeezes between mountains and sea as it winds north. We’ll stop in Lochinver to enjoy lunch in the famous pie shop – a highlight in a day of highlights. The following 22 miles almost defy description. A looping ribbon of tarmac climbs and descends for over 3300ft/1000m. Look out for sheep that roam freely here – they tend to cause traffic jams as you wait for them to move off the road casually. When you arrive at your accommodation this evening, you’ll be tired but happy after an incredible day, and you can relax as you admire the dramatic views of the sea lochs.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 88 km / 55 miles | 1,663 m / 5,456 ft

        Day 5 – Kylesku to Bettyhill Read Less

        Day 5

        Kylesku to Bettyhill

        Before continuing north, you’ll start the day by crossing the iconic Kylesku Bridge. Following the winding coast, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic. After 21 miles, you’ll cross inland on the most northern road connecting the west and north coasts. It’s 14 miles of single-lane riding as you cross wild moorland covered in heather and bog cotton. Arriving at Durness, there will be time for a break to explore the quirky artists’ studios and maybe grab a hot chocolate from a local chocolatier. Back on the bikes, it’s a beautiful ride along the north coast, following the sea in places and dipping inland again to reach your accommodation with views of a sandy beach.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 125 km / 78 miles | 1,824 m / 5,984 ft

        Day 6 – Bettyhill to Dornoch Read Less

        Day 6

        Bettyhill to Dornoch

        From the coast at Bettyhill, you turn south this morning and head into the “Flow Country”, where we exchange wild coast for wild moorland. There is very little traffic on this route, so keep an ear out for the songs of the many bird species that make this remote and isolated valley their home. Stop at a remote pub for lunch and admire the wild, expansive views. An easy climb takes us through another wild and beautiful glen before a gentle descent takes you to the east coast, arriving at Dornoch, where you finish the day.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 100 km / 62 miles | 871 m / 2,858 ft

        Day 7 – Dornoch to Inverness Read Less

        Day 7

        Dornoch to Inverness

        After a hearty breakfast, you’ll return to the saddle today for the last push. You’ll cycle along the tranquil coastline of the Dornoch Firth, and then an optional ferry ride will take you across to the Black Isle and the historic town of Cromarty. You can explore the streets and look out for the Dolphins often spotted on this stretch of coast. After lunch at a local cafe, the final part of the ride sees you cross the Moray Firth and head to the outskirts of Inverness, where your North Coast 500 journey will end. Your support guide will return your luggage, and you can continue your journey home or spend a final night in Inverness.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 100 km / 62 miles | 920 m / 3,018 ft

        Download Itinerary

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        Self Guided Cycling
        North Coast 500

        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.

        Book Now

        Price from: £1,895

        Trip Details

        Expand All
        Accommodation Read More

        This itinerary includes 6 nights in 3-4 star accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally owned guesthouses and small hotels along the North Coast 500 route. Each is handpicked for its warm welcome and bike-friendly facilities. Single rooms are available on request.

        Accommodation Upgrades

        On the final night of your trip in Dornoch, you can upgrade your accommodation to a five-star hotel. This would cost £1995 per person based on a group of 6. Please contact our friendly sales team to request this directly.

        Meals Read More

        Breakfast is included each day except Day 1. Your soigneur will suggest several options for lunches and evening meals in each location.

        Inclusions Read More
        • 6 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels.
        • Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
        • Bike hire is included in the trip price. See our Bike Fleet page for more information.
        • A support vehicle with a guide who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
        • Soigneur / Support driver, bike mechanic and first aider available 24/7 while on the trip.
        • Essential equipment including GPS with pre-loaded routes, bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers.
        • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip.
        • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1 if hiring.
        • Daily luggage transfers.
        Grading Read More

        Red Graded Road Cycling Holidays 7-9

        Red graded trips are suitable only for fit and experienced riders who love cycling and enjoy the challenge of long days in the saddle, riding for consecutive days.

        Distances range from 40-70 miles each day, cycling at roughly 12mph. We will ride a variety of terrain, from rolling countryside to hilly and mountainous areas. Most days will be challenging and the trip will include some of the more testing climbs in Scotland. These harder climbs are rewarded with fast and exciting descents. You will often be in the saddle for 7 hours each day, plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus visits to some sites of interest.

        Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

        Arrival Info

        Meet at Inverness Train Station at 10:30 on Day 1

        Departure Info

        You will be returned to Inverness Train Station by 18:00 on the final day

        Optional Upgrades Read More

        Accommodation Upgrades

        On the final night of your trip in Dornoch, you can upgrade your accommodation to a five-star hotel. This would cost £1995 per person based on a group of 6. Please contact our friendly sales team to request this directly.

        Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More
        Bike Hire/Rental

        Road bike hire/rental is included in this itinerary, and E-bikes are supported on this trip. If you prefer an E-bike, they are available for a supplement.
        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

        Bridget Brown

        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 Bridget a Question

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        Red Graded Road Cycling Holidays 7-9

        Red graded trips are suitable only for fit and experienced riders who love cycling and enjoy the challenge of long days in the saddle, riding for consecutive days.

        Distances range from 40-70 miles each day, cycling at roughly 12mph. We will ride a variety of terrain, from rolling countryside to hilly and mountainous areas. Most days will be challenging and the trip will include some of the more testing climbs in Scotland. These harder climbs are rewarded with fast and exciting descents. You will often be in the saddle for 7 hours each day, plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus visits to some sites of interest.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 17 review(s) of Self Guided+ Cycling – North Coast 500

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        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.

        BA

        Brice Addison

        Reviewed on 13/09/2024

        Age: 70 - 80
        Country: United States
        Trip Date: 31/08/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        5 out of 5 stars. pre tip, route, Will snow, Chris in front office were all outstanding.

        Show More
        JA

        John Addison

        Reviewed on 09/09/2024

        Age: 70 - 80
        Trip Date: 31/08/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        Show More
        RS

        Robert Starkoff

        Reviewed on 10/06/2024

        Age: 70 - 80
        Country: US
        Trip Date: 27/05/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        We had a great time and didn't want it to end!

        Show More
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