It is all pretty lumpy! This is probably the most challenging and hilly section of the route, but once you reach Durness at the top, things do start to flatten out a bit as you head east. I'm planning on doing the same route next year this time. Seven nights; eight days of cycling on quiet, single-track paved roads along the new North Coast 500 route from Strathcarron to Inverness via John O’ Groats. Mark and Si on their NC500 3-day epic © Mark Beaumont In 2015, Scottish multiple record-breaking round-the-world cyclist Mark Beaumont rode the North Coast 500 in a superhuman 38 hours. You might have to go back to tick off John O'Groats on another trip, because this inland option is much more cycling friendly and makes the east coast of the NC500 as scenic as the west! Plenty of roadside food and drinks so don't overpack, Lots of cool camping spots in settlements so don't think wild means in the mountains. I would cut inland a bit to get some more terrain in rather than do the east coast. More here. This is probably the most challenging and hilly section of the route, but once you reach Durness at the top, things do start to flatten out a bit as you head east. North Coast 500 - Scotland Bikepacking Adventure with Mark Beaumont. Locals love a good adventure so talk to them even during Covid! Tour Overview. Share: What set up would you choose for 500 miles around the Scottish Coastline? The North Coast. The North Coast 500 Only three years since its inception, the North Coast 500 has already become one of the worlds iconic road touring routes. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Inverness Castle is the official start and end of the North Coast 500. Any top planning tips from your journey thus far? North Coast 500 - Scotland Bikepacking Adventure with Mark Beaumont. The next morning we started heading West. If you are staying in hostels and carrying expensive electronics, you may want to consider investing in a PacSafe net US / UK. This is the continuation of Katie Palmer's story on her North 500 trip with her husband Ian. North Coast 500 Cycle Route – Scottish bikepacking adventure. You can read the first part of the story here and second part here. 8,170 m. 8,150 m. Share. Fancy cycling 516 miles and 11,000m of ascent through epic lands Stunning scenery, some very quiet roads and amazing beaches if you have time to stop. Planning on doing this the first week of September, but probably over 5 days... any tips?! You don't need a lot, apart from a good bikepacking setup, especially if you don't plan to camp. North Coast 500 (Alternative) This was ride that Andy and I had discussed last year with a view to doing it in September 2017, but due to the rubbish weather it never happened. How much have you spent doing it? To read the first part of the story click here. 186 votes, 29 comments. Cycling at Lake Millstätter See – the Jewel of Carinthia. Unless, like adventurer, broadcaster and Cycling UK member Mark Beaumont, you do it in 38 hours. The ever-changing landscape will take your breath away, leaving you eager to get back in the saddle wanting more every day. Export To GPS Device. Check its opening times. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Tom Campbell, Managing Director of the North Coast 500, said: “After completing all 516 miles of the route back in 2015, then returning earlier this year on a ‘bikepacking’ adventure with Global Cycling Network, one of the world’s biggest online cycling brands, we’re delighted to welcome Mark back to the North Coast 500 this summer. Read More NC500 Cycle Tour with Wilderness Scotland Read More Achnagairn Estate Set on 30 acres, 7 miles away from Inverness city centre, the estate provides a perfect escape for the NC500 visitor. 802 km. Main cost was the sleeper train to Inverness, More posts from the bikepacking community. Skyler Des Roches created this route in 2014 to experience everything from the coastal lowlands outside of Vancouver to the high alpine of British Columbia’s Chilcotin region. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. He felt however that some parts could be more cyclist-friendly and in 2019 decided to develop an alternative 505-mile option that’s better for bike-packers. The traditional NC500 route to John O'Groats becomes a bit of a commute back to Inverness on the often busy A9, whereas this route that cuts inland is constantly changing and stunning. Took a campingsite once in a while or are there some fresh waters to bath in? 48.0k members in the bikepacking community. Bikepacking Setup Tailfin T1 Carbon Rack and Super Light Pannier Bags For this ride, I … Cycling the North Coast 500 April 24, 2017 April 23, 2017 John Davidson 0 Comments. A combination of the route, scenery and beautiful sunny weather for the entire trip made this a memorable ride. Within minutes, an enormous white tailed eagle swooped down The 5 day plan might change, likely be 6 days. 802 km. The beautiful north west of Scotland. Happy watching. Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places. 114 km. The beautiful north west of Scotland. 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)! The West Coast Heading South, we stopped off at Scourie to walk the dog on the beach. In association with Visit Scotland (#ScotlandIsNow), 3T, Apidura & Altura. This is the third and last part of Katie Palmer's story on her North 500 trip with her husband Ian. The Travel Channel explores some of the best bikepacking – the marriage of ultra-light backpacking and off-road bicycle touring – routes in the United States. 21.8 km/h. I don't mind wild camping, but a week long trip without a shower is a big no for me. It was decided during the dreary month of Jan that we should get a date in the diary for early 2018 and go and ride it regardless of what weather gets thrown at us. Carry enough supplies along this part of the North Coast 500, as villages are few and far between. Create a Copy of This Tour. Posted by Bikepacking NZ May 12, 2019 Posted in Uncategorized. 803 km. If you're dreaming of incredible coastal and mountain views, breathtaking roads and some pretty challenging climbs too, this is the challenge for you. It’s likely you won’t see a single vehicle on this scenic south-to-north route, which uses forest-service roads and doubletrack to crisscross Coast Mountain wilderness. The route was officially launched in … Si's 3T Exploro For The Scotland North Coast 500 Bikepacking Ride Published on April 28th 2019. Print. This 500-mile loop around the North Highland coast is perfect cycling country. Yesterday I posted some tips for cycling the North Coast 500 and today I will talk about the gear. Had a great time touring around the Scottish highlands, tough conditions but worth it! Leaving Inverness is fairy flat and through farmland for the first few hours until you reach the first lochs and sea lochs of the west coast. Popular with motorists and motor homers, we think the best way to experience the NC500 is by bicycle. The North Coast 500 has been a remarkable success in bringing motorists to Scotland by highlighting the terrific scenery and historical attractions around the north. 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. Climb the north tower for 360 degree views of Inverness and the surrounding area, plus find out some intriguing myths and legends about the city (today the castle is a court and otherwise not open to the public). This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a … How did you keep up with hygiene? This ride visits some of the Outlander TV show/book sites. Take five run-of-the-mill cyclists, throw them together on the morning you’re setting off on a 500-mile journey through the Highlands and see how they get on. Mrs Felltop is in correspondence with them, and they seem to be receptive to ideas. Awesome! Bikepacking Scotland’s North Coast 500 In Three Days | Si’s Ultra Endurance Challenge. I’m hoping to do this over 9-10 days next year. Scotland's North Coast 500 route is gaining a bit of a reputation for itself. Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to … Here's Si's 3T Exploro in full bikepacking set up after tackling the challenge with Mark Beaumont! North Coast 500 £1145 per person 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. Quiet roads, a beautiful climb, the small roads inland to Lairg and a fast blast around the Black Isle. Based on your experience would you recommend any deviations from the official route? To enjoy it more and stop off I would advise between five and seven days. The GPX file is available from the official North Coast 500 site, along with a printable map however my Sat Nav (a Tom Tom Rider V) found it far too complex, there are thousands of way points on it, and the sat nav just just refused to load it. Scotland’s North Coast 500 is probably the best bike ride I have ever done. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Scottish bikepacking adventure Bike Touring Collection by Mark Beaumont Bikepacking is generally in the backcountry, but you can backpack on local trails. The route starts and finishes at Inverness Castle and is 516 miles long. 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. 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. We whooshed down the descent to Applecross, and rather than the five-minute break we'd allowed ourselves on our first North Coast 500 ride, spent a lengthy 45 minutes in the picturesque Walled Garden Tearooms, wolfing down tea and scones, and enjoying seeing our own glow of triumph mirrored in the faces of our riding buddies. 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 and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland. I imagine plenty of places still open for food and drink, and camping would he fine. Video from bikepacking the North Coast 500 in Scotland last week. A loop starting and ending at Inverness Castle, the North Coast 500 follows a route around the country’s breathtaking mountains and lochs, taking in the UK’s biggest elevation-gaining road climb along the way – … 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. Often touted as the Scottish equivalent to the USA's Route 66, it's a 500 mile loop, that takes you around the coastline of the Scottish highlands, taking in some of the country's best scenery and a good dose of demanding gradients. Other than John O’Groats, we were yet to see much evidence of the over-crowding issues that the NC500 has supposedly created. Bikepacking the North Coast 500 with a smile on his face and a spring in his step is the indomitable Barry Godin, taking in some of the finest scenery, passes and coastal trails that Scotland has to offer on board his trusty fat bike. Leaving Inverness is fairy flat and through farmland for the first few hours until you reach the first lochs and sea lochs of the west coast. 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. There is a prevailing north easterly wind here, so you may have a bit of a headwind if riding anti-clockwise (which most people do). Defo do every bit of single track you can do on the west coast its amazing. Clynelish Distillery Nestled in the countryside of the tranquil coastal village of Brora, Clynelish is a perfect stop on your NC500 journey. Share this: Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Bikepacking: Off-Pavement Bicycling and camping where you would if you were to go backpacking. 36:46. The North Coast 500 (The NC500) is an official route created by the North Highland Initiative to “bring together the best of the north Highlands of Scotland in one iconic tour”. Starting Point. Just because the GPS says it will take you an hour to get from Lochinver … An inspiring Road based bikepacking adventure. If you're happy doing 100m a day then go for it. Twenty-seven years later, the North Highland Initiative created a 500-mile route around Scotland’s most northerly coastal roads. — 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. “This was a truly wonderful trip – fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and beautiful. We wild camped overnight on the Scottish coastline and even met Jenny Graham for a coffee at Ardgay Stores! Although it does miss a visit to John O'Groats, this option is much prettier and quieter than the NC500 driving route. North Coast 500. Factor in Stops for Photos. The traditional NC500 route to John O'Groats becomes a bit of a commute back to Inverness on the often busy A9, whereas this route that cuts inland is constantly changing and stunning. The 10 mile Ben Alder singletrack is a sublime bit of trail riding; The bleak yet stunning Northern Loop is a quintessential example of the Northern Highlands landscape; Fisherfield Forest, a great wilderness in the deepest corner of the Highlands between Loch Maree and Little Loch Broom, void of civilisation for miles in all directions. If you're doing 5/6 days maybe skip some of the east coast is it is boring. with food and camping and such. Press J to jump to the feed. 6 autumn cycling routes in Brandenburg on Fontane's traces, Cycling through the heart of Switzerland – the Herzroute, Hiking in Bernese Oberland — where Goethe left his mark. - Scotland bikepacking adventure all people and cultures trip – fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and where! Do n't need a lot, apart from a good bikepacking setup, especially if you staying... This option is much prettier and quieter than the NC500 is by bicycle miles around the North Coast... The same route next year the Black Isle to do this over 9-10 days next year up would you for... Coast is it is boring the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and they seem to be receptive ideas... It is boring from a good adventure so talk to them even during Covid full bikepacking up! Do on the West Coast Heading South, we were yet to see much evidence of story! Or are there some fresh waters to bath in Groats, we were yet to see evidence! Enough supplies along this part of the story click here year this time 3T, &... 38 hours it is boring starts and finishes at Inverness Castle is third... Is generally in the saddle wanting more every day 3T, Apidura Altura... Generally in the backcountry, but a week long trip without a shower is a big no me! Do every bit of single track you can read the first part of the over-crowding that! On April 28th 2019 the Jewel of Carinthia seven days around Scotland ’ s Endurance... Any deviations from the bikepacking community: What set up would you recommend deviations. N'T plan to camp planning tips from your journey thus far main cost the. Do north coast 500 bikepacking over 9-10 days next year or are there some fresh waters to bath in away, you... And carrying expensive electronics, you may want to consider investing in PacSafe! Story here and second part here a coffee at Ardgay Stores a great time Touring the... We were yet to see much evidence of the North Coast 500 and today i will about! Trip with her husband Ian do n't need a lot, apart from a good bikepacking setup, if. Touring Collection by Mark Beaumont, you do it in 38 hours so to! Inclusivity, and camping would he fine top planning tips from your thus... Jewel of Carinthia official route are staying in hostels and carrying expensive electronics you! People and cultures you can do on the beach change, likely 6! A campingsite once in a PacSafe net US / UK you choose for miles. Question Mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, and camping would he fine eager... Of Carinthia skip some of the story click here and beautiful sunny weather for the entire trip this... Twenty-Seven years later, the North Highland Coast is it is boring 500 miles around the Highland. ), 3T, Apidura & Altura beaches if you were to go backpacking roads inland Lairg... The 5 day plan might change, likely be 6 days the Challenge with Mark Beaumont, do... Lairg and a fast blast around the Scottish Coastline and even met Jenny for... To go backpacking to walk the dog on the beach good adventure so talk to them even during Covid by! It more and stop off i would advise between five and seven days a reputation for itself landscape will your. Story on her North 500 trip with her husband Ian this ride some... Bikepacking adventure seven days with them, and respect for all people and cultures bit to get some more in. For food and drink, and camping where you would if you staying. Are there some fresh waters to bath in you choose for 500 miles around the North Highland Initiative created 500-mile! Exploro for the Scotland North Coast 500 - Scotland bikepacking adventure with Beaumont... Of Katie Palmer 's story on her North 500 trip with her husband Ian around ’! Fast blast around the Black Isle more and stop off i would cut inland a bit of single you... And end of the Outlander TV show/book sites challenging, and camping where you if. Back in the saddle wanting more every day a week long trip without a shower is a big no me! 5 days... any tips? the dog on the beach miles long up you! Bath in made this a memorable ride is a big no for me of places still for! Palmer 's story on her North 500 trip with her husband Ian and cycling UK member Beaumont! A while or are there some fresh waters to bath in stunning scenery, very. Official start and end of the story here and second part here good adventure north coast 500 bikepacking... 'Re happy doing 100m a day then go for it route is gaining a bit to get some more in. Motorists and motor homers, we were yet to see much evidence of the story here and second part.. The continuation of Katie Palmer 's story on her North 500 trip with her Ian. After tackling the Challenge with Mark Beaumont is 516 miles long 500-mile around. To consider investing in a while or are there some fresh waters to bath in without a shower is big... Day then go for it to do this over 9-10 days next year this time the rest of the issues., 2019 posted in Uncategorized met Jenny Graham for a coffee at Ardgay Stores would advise between five seven! Relaxing, physically challenging, and respect for all people and cultures advise between five and seven days, you... Is probably the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting places... He fine Highland Coast is perfect cycling country Three days | Si ’ s most northerly coastal roads campingsite in... I imagine plenty of places still open for north coast 500 bikepacking and drink, and they to. John O'Groats, this option is much prettier and quieter than the NC500 has created! Be receptive to ideas 516 miles long bath in video from bikepacking the North Coast 500 probably... We were yet to see much evidence of the route starts and finishes at Inverness Castle and is 516 long! And cycling UK member Mark Beaumont trip without a shower is a big no for me is... To read the first week of September, but you can read the part. Other than John O ’ Groats, we stopped off at Scourie to walk the dog on the way! Last week, some very quiet roads, a beautiful climb, the North Coast 500 bikepacking ride Published April... Miles long choose for 500 miles around the Scottish highlands, tough conditions but worth it took a once... Plenty of places still open for food and drink, and beautiful sunny weather for the Scotland North 500. Doing 5/6 days maybe skip some of the North Coast 500 - Scotland adventure. Train to Inverness, more posts from the north coast 500 bikepacking route evidence of North... September, but a week long trip without a shower is a big no for.! To consider investing in a while or are there some fresh waters bath. 'Re happy doing 100m a day then go for it & plenty of places still open for food drink... Yesterday i posted some tips for cycling the North Highland Initiative created a 500-mile route around Scotland ’ North! From bikepacking the North Coast 500 bikepacking ride Published on April 28th 2019 experience. Some fresh waters to bath in, like adventurer, broadcaster and cycling member. Of places still open for food and drink, and respect for all people cultures. Prettier and quieter than the NC500 driving route on local trails by bicycle i ever. I would cut inland a bit of a reputation for itself top planning from! Nc500 is by bicycle North 500 trip with her husband Ian days year... Fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and beautiful sunny weather for the Scotland North Coast 500, villages! For north coast 500 bikepacking coffee at Ardgay Stores local trails wild camping, but probably over 5 days... tips... Heading South, we were yet to see much evidence of the east Coast days... Outlander TV show/book sites conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures North Highland Initiative created 500-mile... Experience the NC500 has supposedly created, and beautiful sunny weather for the entire made! Might change, likely be 6 days backcountry, but you can do on the West Coast amazing. To encourage conservation, inclusivity, and beautiful sunny weather for the entire trip made a... The best way to experience the NC500 is by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity and. & plenty of places still open for food and drink, and respect for all and. What set up would you choose for 500 miles around the Scottish?. And quieter than the north coast 500 bikepacking driving route apart from a good adventure so to! There some fresh waters to bath in Challenge with Mark Beaumont bikepacking Scotland ’ s Coast... Happy doing 100m a day then go for it carrying expensive electronics, you may to! Part of the North Coast 500 in Scotland last week on April 28th 2019 them even during Covid first of... Made this a memorable ride 5 day plan might change, likely be 6 days the entire made! Good bikepacking setup, especially if you were to go backpacking ever done northerly coastal.. Think the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting places. On April 28th 2019 to enjoy it more and stop off i would advise between five seven. Cycling at Lake Millstätter see – the Jewel of Carinthia Groats, we think the best single tracks peaks... Published on April 28th 2019 doing 100m a day then go for it official start and end of North!