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Cyclists

Want the ultimate Scottish cycling challenge? Then the North Coast 500 is for you!

This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. Please adjust accordingly to  your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist.

We have designed this itinerary to incorporate activities and attractions along the route – not as a non stop cycle route. Not all of our accommodation providers provide cycle facilities.

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.

Cyclists - Day 1

Inverness to Lochcarron (approx. 66 miles)

AM Today is just a warm up!

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)

Otherwise this morning’s cycle you will follow the route through the villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord and Contin.

Coffee break?

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.

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.

The road from Contin to Garve can be particularly dangerous for cyclists – check out a suggested alternative route. 

PM A picnic in the hills

You will cover approximately 40 miles this afternoon, take a rest from the pedals and soak up the scenery in Achnasheen with a picnic.

From Achnasheen, you will follow the A890 – cycling alongside Loch Gowan on the left and the beautiful Ledgowan Forest on the right. 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.

Evening Accommodation & Evening Meal

For your evening meal:

Carron Restaurant – a family run restaurant near Strathcarron (slightly of the main route)

Suggested options for your first night stay…

  • Loch Dubh Bed and Breakfast offers superb luxury Bed & Breakfast. Their setting allows for a peaceful stay away from the traffic on the main street, coupled with stunning views. They also have a separate chalet in the grounds sleeping a maximum of five people!
  • The Sithean Bed & Breakfast is a modern detached home in the crofting village of Lochcarron, operated as a quality guest house by former hoteliers Lorna and Ken Wheelan. With superb mountain and sea views, comfortable well equipped bedrooms and guest lounge and great breakfasts The Sithean is an idyllic spot to make a pit stop on your tour.

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Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. 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.

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. 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.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. 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.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. 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.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. 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.

Become a Member

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Unlock our Full itineraries

Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. Become a member to unlock itineraries. 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.

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We go that extra 500 miles to help...

Bike Hire Suggestions

The North Highlands are a superb location for cycling and mountain biking. You can hire bikes and equipment with:

  • Ticket to Ride in Inverness provide transport for walkers, cyclists, bikes and all your gear between Inverness and Durness and all points in between. This is not a scheduled service but operates more like a cyclist taxi service.

Road Safety

  • Make sure to check our article on cycling the NC500 for more information on safe cycling on Highland roads, bike advice and quieter roads to cycle, as well as our Road Safety section.
  • Watch out for wildlife and farm life who also like to roam these roads.
  • Adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Code.

Fancy an experienced guide?

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with the uniquely curated cycle tours from 42 Cycling. Nestled in the lively Highland Capital of Inverness, their core services include: Cycle Tours, Training & Events, Bicycle Repairs, E-Bike Hire, and a Bike Butler Concierge service.

Itineraries Info

All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours.

Set up base:

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.

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