Learn more. A mighty 500 miles in just 3 days all around the coast of Scotland, with Mark Beaumont, the Round The World by bike World Record Holder? I stopped and chatted to the first few well-wishers, but soon realised this level of sociability could seriously slow progress. The NC500 has ever-changing scenery, and whilst the road down the east coast is bigger and relatively busier, it has its own beauty. Those who cycle the North Coast 500 route are light travellers. The other nice thing about May? There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the route to restock or even eat all your meals out — just takes a bit of planning. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. Perfectly capturing all the elements that make the Bay Area unique, the Coast Loop should be on top of every cyclist’s to-do list. On their blog, you’ll find a few posts from local cyclist Karen Newman with tips for cyclists on alternate roads and bike shops along the way. The sea is rarely out of sight on this long leg south to Inverness. Moreover, their conversations were a very welcome break from my own thoughts. Unless, like adventurer, broadcaster and Cycling UK member Mark Beaumont, you do it in 38 hours. During a couple of big mileage days, we were so anxious about making it to the next hotel by dinner time that we didn’t stop as much as we would have liked. 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.. Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. After 13 hours of rain, I started to dry out. Loads of elevation gain with a fully loaded bike make for long days in the saddle, especially when you factor in weather and the rough state of the roads (apart from the EU sponsored sections, ironically). Not ideal. 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. The Bealach Na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level to 626 metres over 9.1km. My every thought was on the road ahead, counting down the miles to Inverness. If you are camping, this is much easier. The final hours were brilliantly sociable, as local roadies took it upon themselves to give me an unbroken chain of support riding. What I hadn’t accounted for was the scale of public support. Having completed a number of 24-hour rides, but never over such tough terrain, I was now well into day two. 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. The North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland and we’ve put together a comprehensive 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary to help drivers navigate this driving route. Copyright ©2019, TheGearCaster. In 1988, The Proclaimers penned Scotland’s alternative national anthem: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). The north feels like a place still waiting to be discovered, which makes for the perfect bike adventure. It was a lovely moment to return 17 years later. The drone wouldn’t fly for long as the weather started rolling in from the Atlantic. Alex and I chatted our way to the top, swapping recent adventures as the drone buzzed noisily overhead, capturing my favourite climb in Scotland. You might think that America’s Route 66 has existed for generations. I was digging deep and riding into the unknown. Men and women who embark on this epic journey will encounter towering redwood trees, quiet roads, switchback climbs, the tranquil coast, and the opportunity to stop at excellent coffee shops and eateries along the way. "Spare a thought for me," said Alex with a smile, as we reached the Kinlochewe T-junction in the now pouring rain. I’m not just saying that to give my record a chance of surviving, as I am sure it won’t take long before someone else has a crack! As our B&B owner proclaimed about a notoriously hilly and narrow section along the B869 from Lochinver to Kylesku, where you gain and lose close to 3000 feet of elevation in 24 miles, “It’s brutal. For example, our B&B owner in Ullapool, a cyclist himself, encouraged us to take a lesser known road to Lochinver instead of the proposed A road. Distance. Route: The route is either clockwise or anti-clockwise and takes in the entire north coast of Scotland, including Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, John o’ Groats and Wick. This is a fast but comfortable custom-built bike for ultra endurance miles. Don’t be afraid to veer from the official route when planning your tour, even taking advice from locals on the day. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring experience. Strava Cycling Route NC500 Strava Routes. Also, you always have the coast on your left instead of across the road (you ride on the left side in Scotland, obviously). North of Lochinver, the road tapered once again to a narrow track and I faced some extraordinary terrain. As the hours passed, these windows also went dark and I was left with only the pool of my own headlight. Back in the daylight and dry, with the tough stretch behind me, I drifted into the mental doldrums. I’m happy to answer any further questions you might have in the comments below. However, in the spring, the area usually experiences northerly or easterly winds so use the weather forecasts to help you choose the direction of your trip. I mentally multiplied this progress and started dreaming of a sub 35-hour finish. Most people from the previously populated north emigrated to the Antipodes, the Americas, and further south in Scotland to make way for lots of sheep. I would strongly advise planning your own ride around Scotland’s beautiful north coast, but take a week and enjoy the views and hospitality. Twenty-seven years later, the North Highland Initiative created a 500-mile route around Scotland’s … It’s because this was at one point the lowest reach of the Vikings. I had gone to bed at 8pm, needing every ounce of rest. Plus you want to be able to stop to take photos, hike to a castle, enjoy a lovely lunch, taste some whisky, etc. Your plan may have to change to fit in with available accomodation if you don’t book early — we ended up having to do hours of extra miles on the bike some days just to reach a place that had an open bed. 500 miles ~ 6 days ~ 10,000m climbing. As one of the women working at Clynelish Distillery in Brora put it, “You have more whisky casks in northern Scotland than you do people.”. The NC500 is first and foremost a driving route, evidenced by the abundance of Porsche, Land Rover, motorcycle, and camper van packs that passed us on a daily basis. A road, trekking or touring bike would be fine. Getting to Inverness with a bike is easiest by train. In 1988, The Proclaimers penned Scotland’s alternative national anthem: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). Alas, just as a marathon is a lot more than twice as hard as a half marathon, riding 500 miles non-stop is many times tougher than ten 50-mile rides! This detailed day-by-day 1 week North Coast 500 road trip itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route) and sightseeing highlights along the approximately 500 mile route. Seeing my heart rate soaring to 160bpm after 34 hours in the saddle was unwelcome. There is a 519 mile road route, running in a circular loop from Inverness in the east, cross country to the west, up the coast, across the northern highlands and back down the east coast from John O’Groats. Not ideal. Cycling UK is a trading name of Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) a company limited by guarantee, This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a … Reaching Durness, Scotland’s northwest corner, was a huge and long-awaited relief. And I was soon feeling optimistic – the first 50 miles passed quickly as I started through relatively flat farmland and then alongside the first lochs and forests as I reached the rugged west coast. Meet like-minded cyclists before you make your way along the North Coast 500! Long Skyline Loop (64 miles, 5200 feet of climbing) - take the (in)famous Redwood Gulch route up to Skyline, then head north along the ridge for great views of the bay and ocean. Pockets of crofting – small-scale farming – remain, such as on the Assynt peninsula around the spectacular Summer Isles. You’d have to be if you’re covering this route self-powered on two wheels and have to carry your own luggage. 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. My entourage included three cars and a motorbike, mainly for the film team. Coronavirus: Advice and guidance for Cycling UK member and affiliate groups, How and why to put on bike rides aimed at women, How to organise a charity bike ride or sportive, Registration Office's/Membership Secretary's Toolkit, Design and create kit for your cycling club or group, Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education, Cycling UK member Mark Beaumont breaks the world record in 79 days, Mark Beaumont gears up for 132-year-old penny farthing record, Mark Beaumont’s 'Round the World in 80 Days' bike (which could be yours! The spontaneous support from riders and roadside cheerleaders who started appearing from then onwards certainly helped me again. Most of the 439 hours I spent pedalling through Africa were spent on the tri-bars, efficiently spinning along in the same gear. And if you opt to camp, you can easily refrain from carrying days worth of food or even a stove unless you want it for coffee and tea in the morning. It was heartwarming stuff and made the daft mission all the more enjoyable. Yet while the route from Chicago to California is indeed old, it only became ‘Historic Route 66’ after it was removed from the US Highway System in 1985. It was short lived: ten minutes later it was flat. It was not a promising start. Best ridden in June or July to make the most of the long daylight hours. Check out the North Coast 500 website for tons of information on the route, what to see and do, as well as accommodation. I … However, by the village of Tongue, dawn had at least brought a break in the weather. In fact, the route remains hilly until Thurso. Anything less than five days by bike is a feat of endurance, considering the amount of climbing. Sutherland has 2.2 people per km2, making the Lake District look like a hive of activity with 18.4 and London looking unfathomably packed with over 1,500 people per km2. Conditions: Be prepared for all weather conditions and four seasons in a day. Mark Beaumont cycled 500 miles around the North Highland coast in 38 hours! Wind and rain batter our van ALL night! Hong Kong Cycling Routes ... From Strava: Head over the infamous 'Beast' pass for a roller coaster ride of constant ascending and descending, visiting a giant buddha, a stilted fishing village stuck in time, and the odd water buffalo or two! There’s a feeling of strength, purpose and oneness I found whilst cycling the North Coast 500 that’s hard to come by in other parts of my life. Cycling Quimby Road; Climbing Quimby Road; Climbing Quimby Road by bike; Biking Quimby Road; Riding Quimby Road. 10 unique experiences to try along the NC500 in 2020 Whilst driving the North Coast 500 route is an adventure in itself, there’s so Read More. ), Inspiring cyclists: Cycling the North Coast 500 with Parkinson’s. I think this will be really useful for cyclists… Thank you. registered in England no: 25185. "I have 40 miles back to my car!". I’m used to multi-day, multi-week and multi-month rides. Take extra care for gravel and sheep on the singletrack roads. I stopped for 15 minutes, my longest stop yet. You can just stop when you feel like it. 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 answer to Route 66. 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 Black Isle and Inverness-Shire. The NC500 website recommends riding in a clockwise direction from Inverness. Make the most of your run or ride with Strava Routes. But I reminded him straight away that today was not for any Strava KOMs, as I would still be on my bike the following evening. Bike used: Koga Durano with Dura Ace Di2, hydraulic disc brakes, Pro tri-bars. Video from bikepacking the North Coast 500 in Scotland last week. The 7 Day “Tourer” challenge is suitable for sportive riders who want to challenge themselves over a 7 day cycling touring adventure around the stunning North Coast 500 route. The seafood along this route is worth pedalling many miles for; my personal favourite is a pint of langoustine at the Applecross Inn. Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy, Tips For Cycling The North Coast 500 in Scotland. They're community curated and backed by Strava activity data to help you choose the right roads and paths. Make the most of your run or ride with Strava Routes. All the info (difficulty, distance, altitude gained, elevation, average grade) you'll need to climb Quimby Road by bike. That being said, the wind seemed to change on us on a daily basis and as you constantly wind in and out of the coast, you never remain in a single direction for long. Another monster blog post, so make yourselves a nice cup of tea and strap yourselves in.. Sheets of rain fell from a slate-grey sky. Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our next NC500 Cycling Challenge. View Our NC500 Cycling Tours. Registered office: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX. ITINERARY Day 1 - 64miles (2450ft elevation gain) Day 2 - 69miles (7230ft elevation gain) Day 3 - 80miles (4552ft elevation gain) Day 4 - 81miles (4428ft elevation gain) Full Official North Coast 500 Route - 503.7 mi, +30443 ft. Bike ride in Inverness, Scotland 11,644m. I had never attempted 500 miles non-stop. The film of endurance athlete Mark Beaumont's epic challenge of cycling the beautiful North Coast 500 route non-stop. We met a group of three riders in Locharron who planned to skip the entire east coast altogether and return to Inverness down through the middle via Lairg. The roads around Scotland’s North Highland coast are older still. Further info: The North Coast 500 website. Isn’t It Swell In 2019, Melvich Hotel teamed up with North Coast Watersports to create an new a Read More. ‘GO MARK’ read the homemade signs. They're community curated and backed by Strava activity data to help you choose the right roads and paths. The vast open landscape, also known as the flow country, is rich in archaeological remnants of a bygone age. I actually enjoyed the 2000-foot climb up Bealach na Bà as although crazy steep near the top, the views offered much distraction from the pain. There's nothing quite like the freedom of the long open road. There are ruined castles amidst the rolling farmland, waves crash ashore, and oil-fields dot the seascape. It took a few sleeps to feel recovered, and even longer before I could look at my bike again! Looking at the map of the far north of the country, it’s curiously empty, with just a few roads and a series of small villages. 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