North Coast 500 Cycle Route – Scottish bikepacking adventure

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.

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. Although it does miss a visit to John O'Groats, this option is much prettier and quieter than the NC500 driving route.

I rode this route over three days with Simon Richardson from the Global Cycling Network in April 2019, and you can watch the video from our trip below. We wild camped overnight on the Scottish coastline and even met Jenny Graham for a coffee at Ardgay Stores!

To ride this route in three days really pushes the daily distances (although the first time I rode the route non-stop in 37 hours and 8 minutes, which definitely took the fun out of it)! To enjoy it more and stop off I would advise between five and seven days.

If you're dreaming of incredible coastal and mountain views, breathtaking roads and some pretty challenging climbs too, this is the challenge for you.