Start: Inverness
Distance: 500 miles (805 kms)
Terrain: Roads, quiet lanes,
Bike Types: Gravel bike, Hybrid, Road Bike
Grading: Moderate / Challenging
The North Coast 500 (The NC500) is an official route created by the North Highland Initiative going through The Black Isle, Caithness Easter Ross, County Inverness, Sutherland, Wester Ross.The NC500 Cycle Route is a cycling route that follows a similar 500-mile loop as the North Coast 500 driving route, but it is specifically designed for cyclists.
The route starts and ends at Inverness and goes in a clockwise direction across to Applecross on West coast before it turns North working its way up to John O’Groats, and back down the East coast returning to Inverness. It takes in smaller roads on the West Coast, that cars / motorhomes can’t use and avoids the busy A9 on the East Coast. Like the driving route, the NC500 Cycle Route starts and ends in Inverness, and it winds through the Scottish Highlands and some stunning scenary.
The route is known for its tough terrain, including challenging hills, big climbs, and bad weather making it best suited for experienced cyclists. It can be done in 7-10 days but many cyclists opt for longer to take in some of the places and sights along the way. There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and pubs for overnight stays along the route but ensure you book in advance as this is a very poplular route with cyclists,motorcyclists and motorists. Wild camping is legal in Scotland too.
Some parts of the NC500 are quite isolated so preparation is essential. Make sure you have bike spares, tools and ensure someone in your group is able to do any roadside repairs that may be necessary. Repairs you should be able to do include repairing / replacing chains, repairing punctures, replacing brake / gear cables, adjusting/indexing gears.
As a minimum your group should carry the following tools / spares.
- a way to inflate tyres, pump or CO2 inflator.
- spare inner tubes / puncture repair kit.
- correct size quick links and a chain breaker.
- multitool with allen keys, spanners, pliers.
- lubrication
- spare gear / brake cables.
- cable ties (the cyclists friend!), latex gloves
Weather conditions can change quickly so ensure you have the right clothing and its comfortable. Wet weather gear in essential in Scotland !
Transport links to Inverness are good. There is an airport at Inverness and also a sleeper train from London called the Caledonian Sleeper.
Ensure you carry spares for any roadside repairs, and check our guide to cycle shops
in Inverness-shire and Sutherland for servicing, parts and emergency repairs along the route.
North Coast 500 Route Map & GPX
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Accommodation
Applecross Campsite, Strathcarron. There is a fully functional hot water shower block, a laundry room with a washing machine, tumble dryer and a payphone, electric hook-up points.
Sands Camping Park, Gairloch. Shop and The Barn Cafe, open daily. 150 electric hook ups, dotted about in caravan and camping area. Three heated toilet and shower blocks, providing ample facilities, including disabled facilities. Outdoor wetsuit and dog wash area. Two chemical toilet disposal points.
Clachtoll Beach Campsite, Lochinver. Toilet and shower facilities – are free. In the ladies toilets there is a hair drier and GHD curling tongs. Hot and cold outside showers. Laundry with new washers and driers.
Caravan & Camping John o’Groats. Hot and cold water to all basins and 8 showers. Hand dryers, shaver points (mens) and hairdryers (ladies). Disabled toilet. Laundrette with washing machines and tumble dryers, iron, hand washing facilities and also drying area.
Smoo Lodge, Lairg. Recently refurbished and furnished to a high standard throughout, the lodge offers a variety of comfortable and stylish B&B rooms, all with central heating, en-suite shower or bath & shower facilities.
Cycle shops in Inverness-shire for repairs, servicing and spares.
Cycle shops in Sutherland for repairs, servicing and spares.
