Cycling alternative: Inverness – Contin
As part of Karen Newman’s series on cycling the NC500 – Karen has provided a suggested alternative for cyclists doing the North Coast 500 to and from Inverness.
Inverness to Contin via the Kessock Bridge and National Cycle Route 1.

Photo:Filip Šnajdr, Kessock Bridge, Inverness
This alternative follows part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 as described on their website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map
Part of it follows the tarmac cycle path alongside the main A9 to Torre where it is best to leave National Cycle Route 1 and take the A832 road to Muir of Ord,
• In Muir of Ord, go straight over the railway bridge,
• Then turn immediate left and continue on the A832 to Maryburgh.
• In Maryburgh, follow the road sharp right,
• Cross the narrow river bridge,
• At the T-junction, turn left onto the main A835 to Contin, about 2 miles.
The Kessock Bridge crossing is described in more detail by a local organisation, Transition Black Isle here.
To get to the start of their directions you may need a little help to avoid the busiest roads so the map below may be of use. The red marker shows where the Black Isle directions start. Some of this section may now be signed with the blue National Cycle Route 1 signs

Inverness to Kessock Bridge