North Coast 500 Road Cycling

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 tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:

1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.

2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.

3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.

4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.

5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.

We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.

You can find examples of accommodation level and style in the itineraries, but there is no guarantee you will be staying at those exact accommodations.

Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If group members significantly differ in fitness levels, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.

The most versatile option is a gravel bike. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.

Considering many tours in Scotland cover relatively hilly terrain, many people opt for an e-bike for some additional assistance. If you opt for an e-bike, we ask that you have some previous experience as the bike can be difficult to maneuver for someone who isn’t used to it.

If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.

Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.

Accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options can be found in bigger cities, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.

Although Scotland can be cycled all year round, the summer and early autumn offer the best conditions, particularly from May to September. May and June in particular see little rainfall. September can be a bit wetter but much quieter, as it nears the end of tourist season. It is always sensible to prepare for adverse weather and rainfall when cycling in Scotland, even during these months.

Some northern sections, such as the Isle of Skye and the outer Hebrides will have colder temperatures overall, and a higher chance of rain or misty conditions.

Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.