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NC 500

Glyn Tomkins2026-08-23 17:13:14

Not sure if this is the correct way to put a post.

We are considering riding the NC500 next year, probably June time. We would prefer B & B / Hostel accommodation, nt keen on camping because of the extra weight. Has anyone done it and got any tips etc. WE wll be using a Orbit Electric assist.

Thank You

John Little2026-08-23 17:41:43

We did it in 2012 using b&bs before it had a popular name.

It was a nice ride. There's not much up there if you like breaking your ride and looking round towns etc. I would worry now a bit more about the number of inexperienced campervan drivers...

I remember the ride up the coast from Applecross had as much assent as the pass...

Happy to try and answer any specific questions - but it was a few years ago...

Richard Fuller2026-08-23 17:54:01
Here is ours we did it in 2022 we used the Cicerone book Cycle touring in Northern Scotland it was very helpful it breaks the route down into at most 45 mile rides but generally it averages about 30  We  started in Inverness stayed with a friend I've posted our plan hope it helps
Richard Fuller2026-08-23 18:19:37

you can miss Bealach Na Ba there is an easier route we didn't choose. if you need any help please let me know I have a list of all the accommodation  stops we made and the mileage I can't seem to load the document on here so if you would like it let me know I will find another way

Andy Rice2026-08-23 18:23:01

We’ve been up there a few times on solos after getting the train to Inverness. 

The recommendation is to go anti-clockwise as the east coast isn’t as scenic as the west. 

Also, as mentioned there’s not a lot up there so plan for riding all day with no shops or cafes so you need to have your own water and snacks.

We also spent two or three nights at Durness, as you'll need a day to get out to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath, its an 11 mile ride from the ferry on a quite challenging poorly maintained road but worth it. And Durness is a nice place to have a rest day off the bike too. 
To avoid some of the traffic, we dropped off the North Coast after Dunnet Head, going south to Kinbrace and staying at Altnharra, then back out past Ben Hope to Join back on the 500 route at Hope. 
This is quite a diversion but is incredibly quiet compared to the main 500 route. And if you do go this way, pay a visit to Britain’s most remote hotel "Garvault Hotel". 🤗

 

Martin Lowe2026-08-23 19:38:56

I rode it 8 years ago. Anticlockwise puts the coast to your immediate left, clockwise puts it across the carriageway. Anticlockwise has you climbing the feared Baleach na bar ascent with hairpins. I reckon it's a 5 mile ascent. Nothing like it in the UK. Clockwise is a steadier climb. Please remember that for most of your journey you will be in the wilds where hostelries stop serving food at 19:30 hours and shops close too at that time. I witnessed a French family who had to drive back to Inverness to eat. The east coast route is on main roads, which get busier closer to Inverness, and all traffic is faster than the West coast roads. I wouldn't ride it again but remembering the spectacular views is a constant joy.

 

Andy Rice2026-08-23 20:10:49
When i said Anti-clockwise, i was talking from Inverness, so you go directly North along the admittedly busy roads. For our first trip, we went diagonally across from Inverness and missed out John'O'Groats completely.