Heading north we visit a well-preserved section of Hadrian’s wall with still visible turrets and the outline of a Roman fort before venturing into the Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Parks. Combine this tour with our 10 day Ireland tour for a free night's stay in between and £200 off per person... North Coast 500, Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye. The three new guided road cycling tours range from 7-11 days and from 250 to 500 miles in length with a starting price of £1795 for the ‘Highlights’ route. Following this huge valley, which runs for over 60 miles from Inverness to Fort William, you pass the mighty Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the UK and continue to Glencoe, the Trossachs National Park and through Tyndrum to Oban. What did you eat and drink while cycling the NC500? Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours. The North Coast 500 (NC500) our answer to Route 66, is a designated ‘tourist route’ using existing roads around the Northern Highlands. [Free] North Coast 500 itinerary and tips created by a Scot. See the Castle looking down over Princes Street Gardens. A sensible mix of vented kit and waterproofs with some base layers should cover all eventualities. This more bike-friendly course takes in smaller roads on the West Coast, that motorhomes and caravans can't go on and away from the busy A9 on the East Coast, as well as including the beautiful Black Isle. Not all of our accommodation providers provide cycle facilities. 04/09/2021 – 13/09/2021. Meet up with your fellow Magellanites and your guide in Holyhead before a beautiful ride through the forest of Bowland Area of Natural Beauty. 21 day guided tour of the British Isles exploring the best biking road, historical sights, national parks and more. and of course – The Proclaimers (500 miles…) — The North Coast 500 is one the UK’s most scenic road trips so you don’t want to forget your camera and an extra battery. Explore the jagged Cuillin mountains and the rugged landscape of the Isle of Skye. How about a Self Guided version of this tour. All our itineraries are based on suggestions alone. Heading back south through the lakes we ride to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and through the Forest of Bowland, before continuing south to the Peak District National Park. 10 Nights accommodation in good quality hotels. Following the iconic bikers route ‘The North Coast 500’ you ride to the most northerly point in the British Isles, John o’Groats. We hope you've enjoyed a taste of what's in itineraries. With it being the UK however it could be sunshine, rain or anything in between. Alternatively, Sanachan Bunkhouse is located at the foot of the Bealach na ba- the perfect pit stop for a group. The brilliant route around Scotland's north coast by touring bike over 10 days in July 2019. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. Another monster blog post, so make yourselves a nice cup of tea and strap yourselves in.. A taste of how rugged and deserted Scotland can be today as you ride a coastal circuit of the Isle of Skye. The previous PB was 270 miles. This version of the North Coast 500 is ideal for cyclists who prefer to travel at their own pace, and have a bit more flexibility. Castles and distilleries aplenty on this route and we have incorporated two of the most famous ones on the way to Inverness. Heading west on the The North Coast 500 again, you then turn south and follow the scenic ‘West Coast Drive’ to the beautiful Isle of Skye. In May 2017 Mikaela Toczek cycled the North Coast 500, also known as Scotland's Route 66. This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a huge hit with Scots and tourists alike. Cycling 500 miles around the Scottish coastline in 7 days is a tough ride but the spectacular scenery that you will cycle past is worth every pedal stroke. We then pass through the market town of Macclesfield where a series of waypoints will take you up and over the legendary ‘Cat and Fiddle’ road to Buxton and then onwards to your final hotel stop of the tour. The North Coast 500 snakes its way through some of the most incredible places. It’s the Most Beautiful Drive on Earth! Sixty countries and counting … And so the time to start preparing the kit had arrived. Full kit and packing lists are supplied and we are happy to offer advice on packing for any of the trips. In 1988, The Proclaimers penned Scotland’s alternative national anthem: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). This blog will hopefully give any potential cyclists an insight into what to bring and how to prepare! Guest blog by Steven Nick, North Coast veteran and teammate of Chris Taylor who joined the group after having cycled to Inverness from the Lake District. If you are staying in hostels and carrying expensive electronics, you may want to consider investing in a PacSafe net US / UK. The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! We follow the spectacular NC500 around the top of Scotland and down the west coast to the Isle of Skye to spend the day exploring the rugged landscape of the island with its beautiful coastal roads, picturesque fishing villages and jagged Cuillin mountain range. 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. Journey through some of the most spectacular roads and scenery in Europe. 18 Sept - 24 Sept 2021. A few short hills will be encountered. Paul Easto, founder of Wilderness Scotland, said: “We’re excited to partner with North Coast 500 to offer this new and inspiring range of guided cycle tours. 11 day Guided Tour 14/09/2021 - 24/09/2021 11 day Guided Tour 13/09/2022 - 23/09/2022 11 day Guided Tour 12/09/2023 - 22/09/2023 Select Rider Type If you have never toured in Scotland you have been missing out. The route starts and finishes in Inverness. BEST TIME TO GO: March to October. This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. 14 days Want to ask one of the team a question, or a get a previous tourer’s take on a trip? The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross … How about a Self Guided version of this tour? Check out our tried and tested self-guided ride. Otherwise this morning’s cycle you will follow the route through the villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord and Contin. The District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland have flat to rolling topography. 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. Experience the unique scenery of the west coast from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches to dramatic mountain peaks. View Itinerary. Sustainability Scotland is beautiful, historic and extremely hospitable. From there, you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness. Thanks! From here we hop onto the famous North Coast 500 route heading to the most northerly point in the UK, where you stop off at the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. 13/09/22 – 23/09/22 Get inspired for your next cycling adventure! Today you’ll drive through the rest of the North West Highlands Geopark so it … At the time, Mark, who set a record for cycling 18,000 miles around the world in 2008, said: “This ride is the furthest I’ve ridden in one non-stop outing by a very long way. Ride the Peak District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Cairngorms National Park, the Trossachs National Park and the Lake District National Park. With a visit Scotland’s capital city to enjoy the excellent fare, a day trip to the rugged Isle of Skye and finally a ride south to explore the National Parks of northern England, and the famous ’Cat and Fiddle’ road it’s the best way to see what these lovely regions have to offer. North Coast 500 cycle tour, a unique experience. Rivers and bays create fingers of land called "necks," and the route dips down into the necks, allowing easy access to points along the Potomac River. Detailed daily itinerary including sights and suggested coffee and lunch stops. If you would like a more comprehensive option please head to our interactive map. We have suggested a few options for your first night stay…. Rockvilla Restaurant – located in Lochcarron, enjoy an array on wonderful ingredients, creating the most innovative of dishes. This supported NC500 cycle will take you past the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer! If you’re on your own bike then you just need to make your way to Holyhead for the first evening of the itinerary. Walk in the footsteps of Roman legions following roads they laid out and explore Hadrian’s wall, the ancient barrier erected to keep out the marauding scots almost 2000 years ago. 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 Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our next NC500 Cycling Challenge. I carried (and sent on for day 2) 1. Ride along the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond through the Trossachs National Park and south past Glasgow to visit Gretna Green, where generations of English lovers were married against their parents’ wishes. The North Highlands are a superb location for cycling and mountain biking. 2,200 miles of classic roads across the Brecon Beacons, Lake district and Scottish Highlands. The trail passes castle ruins, endless beaches, mountain ranges and natural wonders like the 'Smoo Cave', a mystical limestone sea cave, which displays a spectacular cascading waterfall in wet weather. Spend 11 days exploring the magical scenery of Scotland, the famous NC500, the glorious isle of Skye and the National parks of North England. Then on past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, before visiting the site of the massacre at Glencoe, on the ride to your hotel in Oban. From here we ride on to the castle in Lancaster for lunch, then into the Lake District National Park and ride the length of Windermere and Thirlmere on the way to Derwentwater. The dark brooding Cullin mountains dominate the entirety of the island, and you visit both Dunvegan, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and the world famous Talisker whisky distillery. Take a trip on the wild side and rest your weary head where you like, Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury at all, Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries, For those on the go looking for all of the information at their fingertips, The perfect membership to travel the route with ease and style, Travelling in a group? The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). North Coast 500 from North Coast 500 on Vimeo. The route of 516 miles, with a dramatic fjord-like coastline of complex geography and geology and some amazing scenery with glistening sea lochs and many uninhabited Islands keeping watch. Leaving the beauty of the Lake District National Park and on to the border with Scotland via Hadrian’s wall. Heading north, you ride through the Forest of Bowland, and visit Lancaster castle on the way to your hotel in the picturesque Lake District National Park. Please adjust accordingly to  your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. - See 703 traveler reviews, 807 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Posted in: Touring. For general information on planning and preparing for motorcycle trips including what to pack please see our Prepare for your trip section. In the last of these three parks you will ride the famous ‘cat and fiddle’ road down to your hotel near Ashbourne. Holyhead but if you are renting a motorcycle then the tour will start from our rental facility in the south-east of England near London and we’ll help with arrangements getting up to Holyhead. Back on the mainland we ride east and join the Great Glen at Invergarry. We pick the tour dates to make the best of the weather and also avoid the crowds in peak season. Sounds like the perfect cycling tour? Meals and drinks other than specified above. Please adjust accordingly to your capabilities as this itinerary is aimed at the serious cyclist. Road trip Scotland's answer to Route 66 with this comprehensive NC500 travel guide. The Lake District park is followed by the Yorkshire Dales park and finally the Peak District park. Continuing this spectacular coastal ride you pass castles and ride narrow causeways en route to your hotel in Durness. 14 OTE gels … 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. Experience Scotland's beautiful North Coast in this 5 day epic adventure by bike. Cycling adventure of the week: Scotland’s North Coast 500. Through the Northumberland National Park and onward to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh – the “Athens of the North”. We cross into Scotland and cruise to the capital city Edinburgh, where we have a day off to explore this ancient capital. 52 likes. 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. Ride this iconic coastal road, a route that has been named as one of the top 6 coastal road trips in the world. Then the North Coast 500 is for you! North Coast 500 Cycling Tours. This will be a challenging 500+ mile supported ride over 7 Days, stopping at campsites along the route. Visit numerous castles and the famous blacksmiths shop in Gretna Green, which for centuries conducted marriage services for eloping under-age English couples. STARTS Liverpool, UK 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). Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two! “This was a truly wonderful trip – fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and beautiful. From here we find ourselves on a 2000 year old Roman road before turning into the Lake District National Park itself. It is a Country with rugged landscapes that will see you riding the hills and glens, past soaring mountains and deep lochs, and experiencing the awesome route that is the ‘North Coast 500’. Though there’s no guide on the road with you, you’ll benefit instead with the services of a soigneur, who will take care of the details, and is a qualified bike mechanic who will provide bike assistance and routine bike care throughout the trip. 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