NC500 & Further - Bikepacking Scotland's North
NC500 & Further - Bikepacking Scotland's North
Collection by Markus Stitz
5
Tours
24:43 h
214 mi
12,725 ft
Based on the time constraints that make it difficult for people to cycle the whole NC500, we designed an itinerary that can be ridden in a week or less. We started our journey in Strathcarron after staying at Black Isle Bar & Rooms in Inverness, taking a train for the first leg, then following the NC500 route up and down the Bealach na Bà, the third-highest road in Scotland.On the second day we set off from Tigh an Eilean, a small hotel that nestles in the picturesque fishing village of Shieldaig in Wester Ross, to combine the NC500 route with gravel tracks along Upper Loch Torridon, then continuing through picturesque Glen Torridon. From Kinlochewe, on the shores of Loch Maree, we ventured off the NC500 route to Achnasheen and on to Lochluichart. This section can be done by either bike or train.We then crossed the Lochluichart Wind Farm on gravel tracks to meet the A835 at Loch Glascarnoch, and joined the NC500 again at Corrieshalloch Gorge, continuing on the road and an alternative route on the opposite side of the River Broom to Ullapool, where the Harbour House B&B offered shortbread and sherry on our arrival.From Ullapool we continued on a well-known coast-to-coast route to Oykel Bridge, having already ridden this section during our inaugural bikepacking trip in 2006 and also during the Highland Trail 550. We continued on to Culrain, where our route met the railway once again to Ardgay. The newly-opened White Rose Tower B&B near Invergordon was our last overnight stop, before continuing on a mixture of roads, paths and Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 across the Black Isle back to Inverness.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Expert03:4530.8 mi8.2 mph3,050 ft3,050 ftExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The best way to start your NC500 adventure is to take the train from Inverness to Strathcarron, on the shores of Lochcarron. There is a small hotel and shop near the station. From here you'll join the A896 to Lochcarron, with more cafes/shops in the village. The road climbs out of Lochcarron and descends…
by Markus Stitz
- Expert07:1665.8 mi9.0 mph3,250 ft3,225 ftExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Day two starts at the beautiful shores of Loch Shieldaig. You don't have to go far until the first point to stop, with amazing views across Upper Loch Torridon where the NC500 route meets the shore. After the first section of road the route leaves the tarmac and continues on a great gravel track along…
by Markus Stitz
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- Expert07:1259.5 mi8.3 mph3,100 ft3,000 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
The third leg of the 'alternative' NC500 starts with an iconic coast-to-coast journey from Ullapool eastbound. There are a few different approaches to leave the small town on Loch Broom, this route takes you on a tarmac road out first, and then follows a well-graded track alongside Ullapool River past…
by Markus Stitz
- Intermediate04:0441.5 mi10.2 mph1,850 ft1,975 ftIntermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
The route starts at White Rose Tower on Tullich Muir near Imvergordon. The route follows a smaller road past a number of houses and woodlands. Near Rhicullen another road is followed, and the route then continues on National Cycle Route 1 to Alness. From there a nice cycle path runs parallel to the main…
by Markus Stitz
- Expert02:2516.8 mi7.0 mph1,475 ft1,475 ftExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Vista to Loch Kishorn
Road Cycling Highlight
There are excellent views looking down the pass towards Loch Kishorn from the hairpin bends near the top of the climb if coming from the East. This vista is obscured at the summit.
Tip by JohnF
Ardgay Store and Highland Cafe
Bike Touring Highlight
Great village store for overnight supplies and coffee/cake stop.
Tip by Mark Beaumont
The Oykel Bridge Hotel
Bike Touring Highlight
Maybe your last food stop for a while!?
Tip by The Racing Collective
Loch Achall
Hiking Highlight
Hike from Ullapool through the Highlands
Tip by RadTourer OWL
River Broom
Hiking Highlight
The river Broom is the union of the two rivers Droma and Abhainn Cuileig and flows into Loch Broom. You can take a relaxed walk along its natural west bank and in some places large boulders invite you to take a break.
Tip by Tamara (wandert)
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Bike Touring Highlight
This is a short walk off the main road but it’s totally worth it. The vertigo-inducing rope bridge over the falls will make your knees go weak!
Once you’re across the bridge, take a walk down to the second viewing platform to see just how high you were standing on the bridge over the falls.
We locked our bikes together up by the entrance and they were just fine.Tip by VeloElle
Bealach na Ba
Bike Touring Highlight (Segment)
Proclaimed as one of the UK’s toughest and most magnificent stretches of tarmac, complete with stunning scenery and the greatest amount of ascent of any British road
Tip by Cyclist Magazine
Whistle Stop Cafe, Kinlochewe
Bike Touring Highlight
Delightful little cafe, much-loved among cyclists and hikers of the area and beyond, offering lots of local charm, great food and drink in quaint crockery.
Tip by Mount_Magdalena
The Midge Bite Café
Bike Touring Highlight
A brilliant place for a stop in Achnasheen with an even better name! Handily it's also on the NC500 route. Watch out though as it closes periodically over the winter months, midge season only!
Check out more at instagram.com/midgebitecafe/?hl=en-gbTip by ADVNTR
Inverness
Bike Touring Highlight
Inverness is a wonderful Scottish city with a fascinating history. Meaning Mouth of the River Ness, the ancient cathedral city is a welcome metropolis in the sprawling Scottish Highlands.
From Nordic invasion to Jacobite battles and Royal killings, Inverness has played an important part in British history.
The city has a huge range of restaurants, accommodation and things to see and do.Tip by Amy
Kessock Bridge
Mountain Biking Highlight
Big impressive bridge with nice views over the bay area. You can't miss it.
Tip by erwinsikkens_com
River Conon at Cromarty Firth
Hiking Highlight
The River Conon rises at Loch Luichart, flowing south-east through Loch Achonachie, Moy Bridge and Urray and eventually passing Conon Bridge to join the Cromarty Firth. It's a popular spawning ground for salmon and trout, and seals frequent the estuary. The walk along the estuary is excellent for spotting the local wildlife, and taking in the far-reaching views out across the Firth.
Tip by Jen
Highland Farm Cafe
Bike Touring Highlight
Run by Ken MacKenzie and his family, this is a wonderful cafe, very keen to look after cyclists. They also have holiday cottages onsite. Easy ride from here down into Dingwall.
Tip by Mark Beaumont
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Collection Stats
- Tours5
- Highlights24
- Distance214 mi
- Duration24:43 h
- Elevation12,725 ft
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