Trip created by Craig Little
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Region: North West Highlands
Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
Accommodation: Classic
Deposit From: £418.75 £418.75

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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.

This price is based on a group of 6, prices will vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with the team to confirm the trip price for your group

Trip Highlights

Enjoy full vehicle and mechanical support from a qualified guide, while enjoying the freedom to cycle at your own pace
Ride along beautiful isolated roads surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery in the UK
Pit yourself against the famous Bealach na Ba - voted as the best day cycle in the UK
Enjoy the journey as your soigneur / support guide takes care of all the details
Experience the freedom of just turning the wheels as your luggage is transferred each day
Stay in handpicked warm and welcoming highland accommodation

Day by Day Itinerary

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 make sure you are comfortable with the route before you head off. An easy 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. Arriving at your accommodation you’ll have time to settle in while your support guide makes any adjustments to the bikes to make sure they are ready to go tomorrow. (B)

Ride details: 40 miles / 64 km | approx. 3 hours | Elevation: 1,955 ft / 595 m

Day 2 - Achnasheen to Shieldaig

Set out for the village of Strathcarron after breakfast today. The riding from this point on is incredible and exploring the area by bike gives you the opportunity to really 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 toughest 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 an amazing descent, our work isn’t quite finished with some punchy climbing around the spectacular coastal road which eventually reaches the charming village of Shieldaig. (B)

Ride details: 63 miles / 102 km | approx. 4.5 hours | Elevation: 5,593 ft / 1,705 m

Day 3 - Shieldaig to Ullapool

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. Our destination for this evening is Ullapool – very much the “capital” of the Northwest Highlands, home to a great range of restaurants and bars. (B)

Ride details: 93 miles / 148 km | approx 6.5 hours | Elevation: 6,667 ft / 1,971m

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 its way north. We’ll stop in Lochinver where we’ll enjoy lunch in the famous pie shop – a highlight in a day of highlights. The next 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 be the cause of traffic jams as you wait for them to casually move off the road. Arriving at your accommodation this evening, you’ll be tired but happy after an incredible day and you can relax as you admire dramatic views of sea lochs. (B)

Ride details: 55 miles / 88 km | approx 4 hours | Elevation: 5,459 ft / 1,663 m

Day 5 - Kylesku to Bettyhill

You’ll start the day by crossing the iconic Kylesku bridge before continuing north. Following the winding coast, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic. After 21 miles you’ll cross inland on the most northerly road connecting the west and north coasts. It’s 14 miles of single-lane riding as you cross through 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 wonderful ride along the north coast following the sea in places and dipping inland again to reach your accommodation with views of a sandy beach. (B)

Ride details: 78 miles / 125 km | approx 6 | Elevation: 5,985 ft / 1,824 m

Day 6 - Bettyhill to Golspie

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 Golspie where you finish the day. (B)

Ride details: 62 miles / 100 km | approx. 5 hours | Elevation: 2,858 ft / 871 m

Day 7 - Golspie to Inverness

After a final hearty breakfast, you’ll get back in the saddle today for the last push. You’ll cycle along the tranquil coastline of the Dornoch Firth and then there’s an optional ferry ride to take you across to the Black Isle and the historic town of Cromarty. You can explore the streets and look out for the Dolphins that are 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 on backroads into the centre of Inverness where your North Coast 500 journey will end. Your support guide will hand back your luggage and you can either continue your journey home or spend a final night in Inverness. (B)

Ride details: 62 miles / 100 km | approx. 6 hours | Elevation: 3.020 ft / 920 m

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Self Guided <i>Plus+</i> Cycling

North Coast 500

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Trip Details

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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 handpicked for their warm welcome and bike friendly facilities. Single rooms are available on request.

Accommodation Upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement and are subject to availability. Please note that choosing to upgrade the accommodation may mean additional transfers to and from the route at the beginning and end of each day.

Meals Read More: Breakfast is included each day barring Day 1. Your soigneur will suggest a number of options for your 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: Breakfast each day
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

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

Trip 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

Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More: Accommodation Upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement and are subject to availability. Please note that choosing to upgrade the accommodation may mean additional transfers to and from the route at the beginning and end of each day.

Other Read More

For a full list of inclusions please see our comparison table here

Looking to extend your stay? Get in touch with our friendly sales team to book extra nights before or after your trip.

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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.

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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 longer days in the saddle, riding for consecutive days.

Distances range from 40 – 70 miles each day, cycling at roughly 12mph. We will ride 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, including high mountain passes. These harder climbs are rewarded with fast and exciting descents. We 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.

Compare road cycling grades

Trip Reviews

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 9 reviews of Self Guided+ Cycling – North Coast 500

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.

Christopher Morrogh

Reviewed on 06/06/2022

Age: 60 - 70
Trip Date: 19/05/2022
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

A memorable experience made particularly special by our guide Ben. You also did a very good job in finding really pleasant accommodations which makes a big difference at the end of exhausting days.

Justin Hanslip

Reviewed on 04/06/2022

Age: 50 - 60
Trip Date: 19/05/2022
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Fabulous! (Despite the rain every day)!!

John Fuller

Reviewed on 01/06/2022

Age: 60 - 70
Trip Date: 19/05/2022
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

I'd certainly recommend this trip to cyclists I meet. I think it's one that many would enjoy but may not have considered. It was a tougher route than I'd expected, but very good for that.

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Wilderness England

North Coast 500

Travel Planning & Advice

Trip Highlights

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Inverness to Achnasheen

Day 2 - Achnasheen to Shieldaig

Day 3 - Shieldaig to Ullapool

Day 4 - Ullapool to Kylesku

Day 5 - Kylesku to Bettyhill

Day 6 - Bettyhill to Golspie

Day 7 - Golspie to Inverness

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Trip Details

Red Graded Road Cycling Holidays 7-9

Arrival Info

Departure Info

Photo Gallery

Speak to an Expert

Bridget Brown

Difficulty Grades Explained

Red Graded Road Cycling Holidays 7-9

Trip Reviews

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Trip Comments

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

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