Heading back south through the lakes we ride to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and through the Forest of Bowland, before continuing south to the Peak District National Park. Today you’ll drive through the rest of the North West Highlands Geopark so it … Bringing together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. Combine this tour with our 10 day Ireland tour for a free night's stay in between and £200 off per person... North Coast 500, Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye. STARTS Liverpool, UK This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. Posted in: Touring. Starting your NC500 adventure: Rather than take the main NC500 driving route – you may wish to take the head to Contin via the Sustrans National Cycle Route (more info here). It’s the Most Beautiful Drive on Earth! Spend 11 days exploring the magical scenery of Scotland, the famous NC500, the glorious isle of Skye and the National parks of North England. See the Castle looking down over Princes Street Gardens. 10 Nights accommodation in good quality hotels. 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 6-8 riders of similar ability alongside our experienced ride guide and crew whilst taking in Scotlands most stunning scenery. Scotland is beautiful, historic and extremely hospitable. © 2018 North Coast 500 | All Rights Reserved | Design by. 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. Due to massive demand for this tour we will be running it 5 times in 2021. Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. If you are staying in hostels and carrying expensive electronics, you may want to consider investing in a PacSafe net US / UK. This version of the North Coast 500 is ideal for cyclists who prefer to travel at their own pace, and have a bit more flexibility. Explore Day. On the Classic trip we tackle the 500mi/800km route over 10 saddle days. Want to ask one of the team a question, or a get a previous tourer’s take on a trip? The previous PB was 270 miles. North Coast 500. Meet like-minded cyclists before you make your way along the North Coast 500! It was four years since my last visit to Scotland, and I ended up returning in a most unexpected way.A few months ago I’d never even heard of the North Coast 500; now I’ve only gone and cycled it.. Pick up some supplies when cycling through Lochcarron and cook up a feast at Sanachan Bunkhouse. Please adjust accordingly to  your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. North Coast 500 – Road Bike – Classic – 11 Days. You may wish to stop at the Coul House Hotel for a mid-morning coffee break before continuing on along the route or stock up on some nutritious snacks for lunch at a village store along route. Full kit and packing lists are supplied and we are happy to offer advice on packing for any of the trips. We cross into Scotland and cruise to the capital city Edinburgh, where we have a day off to explore this ancient capital. This more bike-friendly course takes in smaller roads on the West Coast, that motorhomes and caravans can't go on and away from the busy A9 on the East Coast, as well as including the beautiful Black Isle. Twenty-seven years later, the North Highland Initiative created a 500-mile route around Scotland’s most northerly coastal roads. This will be a challenging 500+ mile supported ride over 7 Days, stopping at campsites along the route. Rivers and bays create fingers of land called "necks," and the route dips down into the necks, allowing easy access to points along the Potomac River. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Ride the Great Glen, the banks of Loch Lomond, the North Coast 500, and the infamous ‘Cat and Fiddle’ road in the peak district. Detailed daily itinerary including sights and suggested coffee and lunch stops. Journey through some of the most spectacular roads and scenery in Europe. Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two! Ride this iconic coastal road, a route that has been named as one of the top 6 coastal road trips in the world. A day off the bike to explore Edinburgh. Meals and drinks other than specified above. Please adjust accordingly to your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. This supported NC500 cycle will take you past the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer! and of course – The Proclaimers (500 miles…) — The North Coast 500 is one the UK’s most scenic road trips so you don’t want to forget your camera and an extra battery. The North Coast 500 snakes its way through some of the most incredible places. The North Coast 500 (NC500) our answer to Route 66, is a designated ‘tourist route’ using existing roads around the Northern Highlands. This blog will hopefully give any potential cyclists an insight into what to bring and how to prepare! Spend 11 days exploring the magical scenery of Scotland, the famous NC500, the glorious isle of Skye and the National parks of North England. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Come and join us on our Northern Coastal 500 and Scottish Highlands motorcycle tour. Back on the bike, we ride over the Firth of Forth and ever northwards into the highlands through endless forests before passing Perth and climbing out of the lowlands. Three National parks on the agenda today. If you’re on your own bike then you just need to make your way to Holyhead for the first evening of the itinerary. We’ve put together this comprehensive North Coast 500 guide to help you plan the perfect North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland. 04/09/2021 – 13/09/2021. Walk in the footsteps of Roman legions following roads they laid out and explore Hadrian’s wall, the ancient barrier erected to keep out the marauding scots almost 2000 years ago. Mrs Felltop is in correspondence with them, and they seem to be receptive to ideas. A truly unique Scottish cycling experience, our 7 day North Coast 500 is incredible. 14 days Get inspired for your next cycling adventure! The route starts and finishes in Inverness. The three new guided road cycling tours range from 7-11 days and from 250 to 500 miles in length with a starting price of £1795 for the ‘Highlights’ route. The Lake District park is followed by the Yorkshire Dales park and finally the Peak District park. North Coast 500 cycle tour, a unique experience. North Coast 500 - Distance: 816.99 km - Elevation: 2029 hm - Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom Grab yourself a bunk and warm yourself by the fire… (Remember your sleeping bag!) Fully guided and supported by an experienced tour guide throughout. Though there’s no guide on the road with you, you’ll benefit instead with the services of a soigneur, who will take care of the details, and is a qualified bike mechanic who will provide bike assistance and routine bike care throughout the trip. Back on the mainland you ride the full length of Loch Ness and Loch Lochy with eyes peeled for a glimpse of Nessie. If you have never toured in Scotland you have been missing out. It is a Country with rugged landscapes that will see you riding the hills and glens, past soaring mountains and deep lochs, and experiencing the awesome route that is the ‘North Coast 500’. In the last of these three parks you will ride the famous ‘cat and fiddle’ road down to your hotel near Ashbourne. A few short hills will be encountered. We have suggested a few options for your first night stay…. Following the iconic bikers route ‘The North Coast 500’ you ride to the most northerly point in the British Isles, John o’Groats. Visit numerous castles and the famous blacksmiths shop in Gretna Green, which for centuries conducted marriage services for eloping under-age English couples. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. From here we ride on to the castle in Lancaster for lunch, then into the Lake District National Park and ride the length of Windermere and Thirlmere on the way to Derwentwater. 11 day Guided Tour 14/09/2021 - 24/09/2021 11 day Guided Tour 13/09/2022 - 23/09/2022 11 day Guided Tour 12/09/2023 - 22/09/2023 Select Rider Type View Itinerary. How about a Self Guided version of this tour? Not all of our accommodation providers provide cycle facilities. Heading north we visit a well-preserved section of Hadrian’s wall with still visible turrets and the outline of a Roman fort before venturing into the Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Parks. Visit the home of the Tomintoul Glenlivet whisky, the Talisker distillery (founded in 1830 and still going strong) John O’Groats and the hotel where Drambuie was invented. Lochinver to Ullapool. In August 2016 four of us tackled the NC500 as a rehearsal for our round the world cycle trip. With it being the UK however it could be sunshine, rain or anything in between. The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! In May 2017 Mikaela Toczek cycled the North Coast 500, also known as Scotland's Route 66. The brilliant route around Scotland's north coast by touring bike over 10 days in July 2019. Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our next NC500 Cycling Challenge. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. For general information on planning and preparing for motorcycle trips including what to pack please see our Prepare for your trip section. With expert guiding and full trip support, you’re free to focus on the riding. BEST TIME TO GO: March to October. This ride visits some of the Outlander TV show/book sites. I carried (and sent on for day 2) 1. And so the time to start preparing the kit had arrived. #Scotland's #NC500 itinerary takes you on a loop from Inverness to John o' Groats and back down passing white beaches, villages and distilleries. Climb Calton Hill overlooking the city, or the Scott Monument, walk through the ‘Auld Toon’, take a ghost tour and visit the churches of St Giles, Greyfriars and the Canongate. 13/09/22 – 23/09/22 Cycling 500 miles around the Scottish coastline in 7 days is a tough ride but the spectacular scenery that you will cycle past is worth every pedal stroke. Cycle the entirety of the main route or take the suggested minor roads to avoid the heavy traffic on some of the main A roads. From there, you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. Heading north, you ride through the Forest of Bowland, and visit Lancaster castle on the way to your hotel in the picturesque Lake District National Park. From rugged landscapes, heritage sites and castles all the way through to the most amazing roads! Riding the North Coast 500 (NC500) by motorcycle is a must for anyone touring Scotland, or indeed the UK. The route of 516 miles, with a dramatic fjord-like coastline of complex geography and geology and some amazing scenery with glistening sea lochs and many uninhabited Islands keeping watch. Road trip Scotland's answer to Route 66 with this comprehensive NC500 travel guide. Then on past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, before visiting the site of the massacre at Glencoe, on the ride to your hotel in Oban. STARTS Liverpool, UK [Free] North Coast 500 itinerary and tips created by a Scot. This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. The trail passes castle ruins, endless beaches, mountain ranges and natural wonders like the 'Smoo Cave', a mystical limestone sea cave, which displays a spectacular cascading waterfall in wet weather. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). 5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary. Thanks! Ride along the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond through the Trossachs National Park and south past Glasgow to visit Gretna Green, where generations of English lovers were married against their parents’ wishes. Historic Scotland, lochs, glens, castles, distilleries, mountains and the beautiful North Coast 500 route combine to give a fabulous touring experience of England and its beautiful northern neighbour. While many NC500 travellers spend one night in a handful of different locations as they travel the route, a large proportion of visitors opt to set up base in a number of locations around the route – spending two or three nights in each place and getting to know the different regions that make up the route. You can hire bikes and equipment with: We all hope for an adventure without mechanical issues, but, if you and your bike do face a problem there are a number of bike workshops around the NC500 on hand to help, find out more here. Cycling adventure of the week: Scotland’s North Coast 500. From here we find ourselves on a 2000 year old Roman road before turning into the Lake District National Park itself. Watch out for wildlife and farm life who also like to roam these roads. North Coast 500: Stunning! Full use of all hotels’ leisure facilities. This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a huge hit with Scots and tourists alike. Say farewell to the rest of touring buddies and depart for home. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. What did you eat and drink while cycling the NC500? 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 … The road from Contin to Garve can be particularly dangerous for cyclists – check out a suggested alternative route. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours. You've been subscribed to our list! Through the Northumberland National Park and onward to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh – the “Athens of the North”. 12/09/23 – 22/09/23. From here we hop onto the famous North Coast 500 route heading to the most northerly point in the UK, where you stop off at the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. “This was a truly wonderful trip – fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and beautiful. We pick the tour dates to make the best of the weather and also avoid the crowds in peak season. A day to explore Edinburgh, ancient capital of Scotland called the ‘Athens of the North’. As you near Lochcarron, the road becomes single track road…You will reside here for the night, in the stunning wee village of Lochcarron, amidst some of the finest scenery along the route. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. Paul Easto, founder of Wilderness Scotland, said: “We’re excited to partner with North Coast 500 to offer this new and inspiring range of guided cycle tours. Day 3 Kickstart your morning with a wholesome Highland breakfast at Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop in Inverness, a haven for cyclists! We have designed this itinerary to incorporate activities and attractions along the route – not as a non stop cycle route. You will cover approximately 40 miles this afternoon, take a rest from the pedals and soak up the scenery in Achnasheen with a picnic. This slightly alternative North Coast 500 was made in collaboration with the people behind the official driving route, to make an official NC500 Cycle Route. Alternatively, Sanachan Bunkhouse is located at the foot of the Bealach na ba- the perfect pit stop for a group. With a visit Scotland’s capital city to enjoy the excellent fare, a day trip to the rugged Isle of Skye and finally a ride south to explore the National Parks of northern England, and the famous ’Cat and Fiddle’ road it’s the best way to see what these lovely regions have to offer. Experience Scotland's beautiful North Coast in this 5 day epic adventure by bike. Meet up with your fellow Magellanites and your guide in Holyhead before a beautiful ride through the forest of Bowland Area of Natural Beauty. Select Date. The North Highlands are a superb location for cycling and mountain biking. Visit the battlefield at Culloden where the Jacobite uprising of 1745-46 was brought to a bloody end by the duke of Cumberland. From Achnasheen, you will follow the A890 – cycling alongside Loch Gowan on the left and the beautiful Ledgowan Forest on the right. You just have to see it! The dark brooding Cullin mountains dominate the entirety of the island, and you visit both Dunvegan, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and the world famous Talisker whisky distillery. Can’t make the dates? 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. Of course, we run a 10 day Ireland trip that finishes the day before this trip starts and these are designed to be done back to back, click here for more info. Another monster blog post, so make yourselves a nice cup of tea and strap yourselves in.. Join our e-newsletter to be the first to find out about new tour releases, special offers and all the latest from the Magellan community. We will be following the official NC500 route as far as Melvich but for a number of safety reasons have chosen not to continue with the official route past this point as it takes us on the very busy A9 dual carriageway. Castles and distilleries aplenty on this route and we have incorporated two of the most famous ones on the way to Inverness. Organised Cycling Tours on Scotlands North Coast 500 fully supported by AMS Outdoors. A sensible mix of vented kit and waterproofs with some base layers should cover all eventualities. Visit the site of the Glencoe massacre, and the battle of Culloden. Day Zero. Magellan Motorcycle Tours is the trading name of Watch House Associates Ltd. All rights reserved. Heading west on the The North Coast 500 again, you then turn south and follow the scenic ‘West Coast Drive’ to the beautiful Isle of Skye. And we’ve been to a lot of places. Holyhead but if you are renting a motorcycle then the tour will start from our rental facility in the south-east of England near London and we’ll help with arrangements getting up to Holyhead. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. Always one for a challenge, but unwilling to walk 500 miles, I set about trying to cycle the route non-stop, laying down a time-to-beat on Scotland’s Leaving the beauty of the Lake District National Park and on to the border with Scotland via Hadrian’s wall. In 1988, The Proclaimers penned Scotland’s alternative national anthem: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). Members also get a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased online, receive FREE gifts (selected membership only), get access to exclusive goodies and much more. 14 OTE gels … Ride the Peak District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Cairngorms National Park, the Trossachs National Park and the Lake District National Park. STARTS South East, UK 14/09/21 – 24/09/21 Sample amazing local produce from incredible fresh seafood, organic meats and of course haggis, with the odd wee dram. 2,200 miles of classic roads across the Brecon Beacons, Lake district and Scottish Highlands. Rockvilla Restaurant – located in Lochcarron, enjoy an array on wonderful ingredients, creating the most innovative of dishes. We then pass through the market town of Macclesfield where a series of waypoints will take you up and over the legendary ‘Cat and Fiddle’ road to Buxton and then onwards to your final hotel stop of the tour. Otherwise this morning’s cycle you will follow the route through the villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord and Contin. 52 likes. Back on the mainland we ride east and join the Great Glen at Invergarry. Seven nights; eight days of cycling on quiet, single-track paved roads along the new North Coast 500 route from Strathcarron to Inverness via John O’ Groats. Check out our tried and tested self-guided ride. The District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland have flat to rolling topography. Sixty countries and counting … Following this huge valley, which runs for over 60 miles from Inverness to Fort William, you pass the mighty Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the UK and continue to Glencoe, the Trossachs National Park and through Tyndrum to Oban. Stop by Glen Ord Distillery (Muir of Ord) for a tour of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland or perhaps stretch your legs at the famous fish ladder of Rogie Falls, just over a mile North West of Contin- there are a series of waterfalls and forest trails. 18 Sept - 24 Sept 2021. Sustainability However, as the going is slower in some parts than others, we’ve tried to balance this itinerary so you get fairly similar amounts of driving time each day. - See 703 traveler reviews, 807 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, UK, at Tripadvisor. At the time, Mark, who set a record for cycling 18,000 miles around the world in 2008, said: “This ride is the furthest I’ve ridden in one non-stop outing by a very long way. A taste of how rugged and deserted Scotland can be today as you ride a coastal circuit of the Isle of Skye. North Coast 500 from North Coast 500 on Vimeo. Travel/Breakdown insurance covering repatriation back to the UK. How about a Self Guided version of this tour. 21 day guided tour of the British Isles exploring the best biking road, historical sights, national parks and more. North Coast 500 Cycling Tours. 10 days Leaving Edinburgh behind, you head north to the original Scottish capital of Perth, and continue through the Cairngorms National Park to Inverness. Then the North Coast 500 is for you! 04/09/2021 – 24/09/2021. Heading south again, you ride through the rolling Trossachs National Park and along the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond… on the route to your hotel over the border in the quiet Lake District National Park. All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. 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, taking in the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the … Carron Restauant – a family run restaurant near Strathcarron (slightly of the main route). Ride the roads voted the best by Irish bikers and discover this amazing country and its fascinating history. 21 days We follow the spectacular NC500 around the top of Scotland and down the west coast to the Isle of Skye to spend the day exploring the rugged landscape of the island with its beautiful coastal roads, picturesque fishing villages and jagged Cuillin mountain range. Experience the unique scenery of the west coast from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches to dramatic mountain peaks. Take a trip on the wild side and rest your weary head where you like, Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury at all, Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries, For those on the go looking for all of the information at their fingertips, The perfect membership to travel the route with ease and style, Travelling in a group? Explore the jagged Cuillin mountains and the rugged landscape of the Isle of Skye. Sounds like the perfect cycling tour? Continuing this spectacular coastal ride you pass castles and ride narrow causeways en route to your hotel in Durness. 5 days on the North Coast 500 will give you a good amount of time to see many of the sights along the way.

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