north coast 500 cycling route

North Coast 500

An incredible road biking holiday on the north coast of Scotland from Inverness
Overview
  • 1 - Flat as a pancake
  • 2 - Flat with some lumpy bits
  • 3 - Gently undulating
  • 4 - Undulating, some bigger hills
  • 5 - Rolling hills
  • 6 - Hilly but not too steep
  • 7 - Hilly with some steep climbs
  • 8 - Very hilly up to 25% climbs
  • 1 - Very little biking but keen to try 
  • 2 - Cycle a couple of times a week, a few hours per day on flat terrain
  • 3 - Can easily cycle half a day on more hilly terrain 
  • 4 - Can ride for up to 5 hours per day, gently undulating terrain
  • 5 - Can ride for 6 hours per day, some short, steep climbs
  • 6 - Can ride for 7 hours per day on hilly terrain
  • 7 - Comfortable biking for 8 hours per day including long, steep climbs
  • 8 - Cycle several times per week, can ride up to 10 hours per day, steep, physically demanding trails
Total Distance
804 km (500 miles)
Number of days cycling
5 to 8 days
Elevation
10,400 metres of climbing!
    Summary

    The North Coast 500 has become an iconic driving route through stunning Scottish coastal scenery. We've adapted the infamous driving tour into a fantastic biking holiday, avoiding the busier roads making this amazing road biking holiday one to truly remember. Explore the majesty of the dramatic Torridon mountains, gorgeous lochs and glens and breathtaking vistas. This cycling holiday is truly spectacular

    You will see the rugged mountains of the wonderful West coast, the sweeping beaches along the North coast and the secluded glens and big skies of the east. You start and finish in Inverness, the lovely highland capital - a great place to relax and recover after your adventure. Contact us to plan your once in a lifetime Scottish cycling holiday!

    Map

    Track

    Highlights
    Visiting Inverness Castle, overlooking the glittering River Ness
    Scaling the dizzy heights of Bealach Na Ba - a 650 metre switchback road climb
    Cycling along the shore of Loch Torridon, with the dramatic Torridon mountains to the north
    Visiting some of the numerous white sand beaches scattered along the north-west coast of Scotland
    The sheer, remote beauty of the North West of Scotland
    What's included
    5 to 8 days of brilliant road biking around the north coast of Scotland
    6 to 9 nights of hand-picked, quality accommodation to suit every budget
    Transfers can be arranged from local public transport links but an additional cost may apply. Contact us for more details
    All baggage transfers between accommodation
    Official map of the route and accurate gpx files (specific to your type of bike)
    Dedicated vehicle back up for fully supported trips
    Detailed list of bike shops and a comprehensive route information pack
    Phone support from our experienced team
    Bike hire available as an additional extra
    Availability
    J
    No
    F
    No
    M
    No
    A
    Yes
    M
    Yes
    J
    Yes
    J
    Yes
    A
    Yes
    S
    Yes
    O
    No
    N
    No
    D
    No

    Your road biking holiday can be organised on any dates between April and September for groups of two or more people. Choose your preferred dates and contact us to start planning your Scottish cycling holiday now. Please note we use the best accommodation available on this route, so no luxury upgrades are available (apart from in Inverness).

    Trip options
    5 days / 6 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    5
    Average daily distance
    160 km (99 miles)
    Fitness
    8
    6 days / 7 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    6
    Average daily distance
    134 km (83 miles)
    Fitness
    8
    7 days / 8 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    7
    Average daily distance
    114 km (71 miles)
    Fitness
    8
    8 days / 9 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    8
    Average daily distance
    100 km (62 miles)
    Fitness
    7
    Prices
    5 days / 6 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £860
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £1150
    Luxury - 4 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    6 days / 7 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £965
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £1275
    Luxury - 4 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    7 days / 8 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £1155
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £1475
    Luxury - 4 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    8 days / 9 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £1320
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £1685
    Luxury - 4 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    Inverness only from £30/night
    • We can accommodate groups of any size. If you have a group of 3 people or more than 8 people please contact us for the best price.
    • We use fantastic, tried and tested accommodation but more luxurious upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement
    • Single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement
    • Bunkhouse options are available in some locations if you wish to reduce the price
    • We can add or remove extra accommodation, change transport arrangements or add any other extras you might need 
    Example itinerary
    Enquire/Book

    Similar Trips

    Image
    Kirkpatrick C2C Cycling Holiday

    Kirkpatrick C2C

    Number of days cycling
    4 to 6 days
    • 1 - Very little biking but keen to try 
    • 2 - Cycle a couple of times a week, a few hours per day on flat terrain
    • 3 - Can easily cycle half a day on more hilly terrain 
    • 4 - Can ride for up to 5 hours per day, gently undulating terrain
    • 5 - Can ride for 6 hours per day, some short, steep climbs
    • 6 - Can ride for 7 hours per day on hilly terrain
    • 7 - Comfortable biking for 8 hours per day including long, steep climbs
    • 8 - Cycle several times per week, can ride up to 10 hours per day, steep, physically demanding trails
    Image
    cycling holiday uk

    Tour de Yorkshire

    Number of days cycling
    2 days
    • 1 - Very little biking but keen to try 
    • 2 - Cycle a couple of times a week, a few hours per day on flat terrain
    • 3 - Can easily cycle half a day on more hilly terrain 
    • 4 - Can ride for up to 5 hours per day, gently undulating terrain
    • 5 - Can ride for 6 hours per day, some short, steep climbs
    • 6 - Can ride for 7 hours per day on hilly terrain
    • 7 - Comfortable biking for 8 hours per day including long, steep climbs
    • 8 - Cycle several times per week, can ride up to 10 hours per day, steep, physically demanding trails
    Image
    lakes and dales loop

    Lakes and Dales Loop

    Number of days cycling
    3 to 5 days
    • 1 - Very little biking but keen to try 
    • 2 - Cycle a couple of times a week, a few hours per day on flat terrain
    • 3 - Can easily cycle half a day on more hilly terrain 
    • 4 - Can ride for up to 5 hours per day, gently undulating terrain
    • 5 - Can ride for 6 hours per day, some short, steep climbs
    • 6 - Can ride for 7 hours per day on hilly terrain
    • 7 - Comfortable biking for 8 hours per day including long, steep climbs
    • 8 - Cycle several times per week, can ride up to 10 hours per day, steep, physically demanding trails