North Coast 500 – 2024

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Inverness to Locharron – 64 Miles

An easy first day, initially following the banks of the Beauly Firth to Muir of Ord where we strike west to begin our circuit.  Climbs are few and gentle as we follow river valleys to cross Scotland at one of its narrowest points.  We finish the day beside the picturesque Loch Carron.

Day 2 – Locharron to Talladale – 69 miles

Our most challenging day comes early in the trip and starts with the substantial climb from Ardarroch across to the west coast and the small community of Applecross.  From there the going is much easier as we meander along the coastal road, slowly working our way north to Talladale on the shores of Loch Maree.  A significant shortcut, bypassing Applecross, is available should anyone find today a little daunting.

Day 3 – Talladale to Ullapool – 66 Miles

With virtually no navigation to worry about (just 1 turn today!) it is possible to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, though a series of climbs provides enough of a challenge to keep it interesting.  Our destination is the largest community on the northwest coast – Ullapool – from where ferries to the Isle of Lewis depart. 

Day 4 – Ullapool to Scourie – 69 miles

Our second hilliest day but, again, with the option of a shortcut.  By the end of the day we are in the small crofting village of Scourie where out hotel awaits.

Day 5 – Scourie to Tongue – 55 Miles

The first half of today is spent reaching the north coast and the small community of Durness where we bear east and the route becomes even more rugged, dramatic and remote. Much of the day is spent on single-lane roads but with passing points every few hundred metres.  We finish the day by crossing the causeway across the Kyle of Tongue to our hotel on the far side.

Day 6 – Tongue to John O’Groats – 63 miles

We continue along the picture postcard north coast, rising and falling by 300-500 feet until we reach Thurso and the terrain flattens out for the last 20 miles to the famous community of John O’Groats.

Day 7 – John O’Groats to Brora – 63 miles

We now turn south, though Wick and start our homeward run, overnighting in Brora.

Day 8 – Brora to Inverness – 66 miles

Our trip ends as it began, with an easy ride via Muir of Ord and Beauly, back to our hotel in central Inverness.

Tour Price includes:

Hotel/B&B accommodation

Breakfast

Vehicle support

Services of leader/mechanic

Local transfers

Route information

Tour Price does not include:

:

Lunches or evening meals

Any snacks or drinks required during the day

Transport to/from Inverness

The cost of any optional excursions, entrance fees etc.

Holiday Details:

The Tour: This is a fully supported holiday with a tour leader (who cycles with the group to ensure nobody is left behind) and vehicle support to carry all the luggage and provide additional assistance if necessary.  The daily mileage is between 55 and 70 miles a day, and there are no rest days.

Accommodation & Food: This holiday uses B&B/hotel accommodation.  Accommodation is generally graded 2-3* or similar and we usually book en-suite rooms if possible but this cannot be guaranteed. Single people travelling alone will be booked into a twin bedded room with another single person of the same sex – unless you have paid the price for a single room (please note that there are only a limited number of single rooms available on this holiday). Breakfast will be provided at the accommodation each morning. Evening meals are available in-house or at nearby pubs or restaurants.

Start: The ride starts in Inverness and accommodation for the night before the start is included in the holiday price.  Transfer from Inverness Airport or Station to the hotel is included.

Finish: The ride ends back in Inverness and the holiday price includes accommodation in Inverness on Day 8. Transfer from the hotel to Inverness Airport or train station is included.

Cycle Transport: If required we offer a transport service to return your bike from Inverness to anywhere in the UK (additional fee payable), to save you the hassle of getting your bike home by train or plane. Using a courier service we can also have your bike transported to Inverness.

Documents: Insurance is optional for this holiday for UK residents. Participants from outside the UK must have suitable travel insurance.

Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip. The most important thing is that your bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it. However you should make sure that it has suitable gears as there are some steep hills on parts of the route.