North Coast 500 Road Cycling
Starting point
Inverness
Finish point
Inverness
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Season
From May to September
Fitness level
5/5
Tour type
Road
Number of people
Choose your style
- Conquer the legendary Bealach na Bà, Scotland’s most exhilarating climb
- Traverse the wild, windswept landscapes of the northern Highlands
- Stand at the iconic John O’Groats signpost, the northernmost point of Britain
- Descend thrilling switchbacks into the remote beauty of Applecross
- Marvel at the fairytale-like turrets of Dunrobin Castle
- Soak in the dramatic coastal views along Scotland’s rugged shores
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is an odyssey through some of the most breathtaking and untamed landscapes in the world.
This legendary road trip, often called "Scotland’s Route 66," loops through the rugged Highlands, weaving past windswept coastlines, towering mountains, and deep, glacial lochs.
For cyclists, it offers the ultimate test of endurance and adventure: twisting climbs that lead to jaw-dropping panoramas, fast descents that hug the edges of dramatic cliffs, and miles of open road where the only sounds are the wind and the call of seabirds overhead.
In the west, the route takes you into the heart of the Torridon mountains, where ancient peaks rise sharply from deep, reflective lochs.
To the north, the coastline becomes more dramatic, with rugged cliffs and crashing waves accompanying you as you pedal through tiny fishing villages towards Britain’s northernmost point.
In the east, the ride takes on a different character, with smoother roads, rolling countryside, and historic sites like Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale-like mansion overlooking the North Sea.
Of course, no NC500 cycling adventure would be complete without conquering Bealach na Bà, one of the most legendary climbs in Britain. This Alpine-style pass is a rite of passage for any serious cyclist, featuring hairpin bends and relentless gradients that will push your limits.
While the NC500 is a dream ride, it’s not without its challenges, and that’s where we come in.
We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the ride. From handpicked accommodations at the end of each day’s route to a digital guidebook packed with GPS routes, local tips, and must-see stops, we ensure that every detail is covered.
All you have to do is saddle up and start your adventure – book your North Coast 500 cycling experience today!
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and round-the-clock support. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our one week tour of Slovenia with these 3 young local guides surpassed all expectations! We travelled from Bled through the Sovenian Alps all the way to to coastal seaside Piran, through villages , on backroads ….it felt like riding through a story book….a delightful surprise around every turn . Our guides took care of our every need: charming accommodations, snacks every day at fantastic off beat locations, mid-ride. We covered 250 km over 5 riding days. The one day we were rained out, they quickly pivoted, and we were able to visit a wonderful historical national museum, which informed us so much in terms of the history in the Soča valley…So the day became not a write off but an educational experience! It was quite special to know the history of the Soča valley as we journeyed through the region, seeing the incredible geographical diversity of this beautiful country on excellent quality e-bikes. Highly recommend! Trip of a lifetime ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First class company with a well planned route, great accommodation and simply outstanding support in time of trouble. We did a two week ride from Bled to Pula in September 2023. Fair to say we hit a lot of problems courtesy of BA with rescheduled and diverted flights, lost bags, problems with our own bikes, returning rental bikes and more. Daja was simply amazing in helping us sort all of them out and was so accessible at all hours. She even managed to source and buy a forgotten Thru-axle and deliver it personally to our hotel, which is far and above any service i would reasonably expect. Thank you !! Our accommodation was fantastic and far better than expected in all but one location. The route planning in Slovenia was great but due to our decision to bring road bikes from the UK and the nature of the roads in Croatia, our second week was a bit tricky route wise and it would have been good to have had a discussion about this section beforehand. A Gravel bike is far better suited to Croatia although this was our decision to bring road bikes. Transport arrangement and logistics were flawless. Overall, i would change very little and we will definitely be returning to Slovenia. Daja was fantastic and I absolutely recommend Slovenia Cycling Holidays and will be using their services again.
Top Company, Top Tour ! We did the 7 days tour (from Alps to Adriatic), from Bled to Piran in august 2024 ! It was the best tour made in years. Amazing landscapes and nature, great accommodations and food and perfectly organised. Daja did really a perfect job ! she was allways available for questions or suggestions ! I would recommend this tour to everyone.
The bike trip exceeded my expectations and was beyond fantastic. From Ljubljana to Bled with a guide through the Hidden Hills. Then my first solo self guided from the Alps in Bled to Piran in the Adriatic. I can’t say enough about the Slovenia Cycling Holidays crew who gave me guidance and confidence to take out on my own. Not to mention the extraordinary routes that they mapped out.
All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
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HANDPICKED ADVENTURES
Only the best adventures across the world, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the regions.
SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL
Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.
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VALUE YOUR TIME
With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.
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Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.
