Relaxed Experience Most Popular
England, Wales, Scotland 8 Days

NC500 8 day cycle package

The most leisurely way to cycle the NC500. Extra days allow time to explore, rest, and fully experience the route.

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NC500 Lesley 8 day cycle package

The NC500 is a bucket-list cycling route through some of Scotland’s wildest landscapes.

This 8-day package is the most leisurely option, allowing plenty of time for exploration, recovery, and enjoying each section of the route.

Scenic Daily Cycling Routes

Cycle through some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal roads and Highland landscapes.

Very Relaxed Daily Distances

An 8-day itinerary with shorter daily rides, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

Iconic NC500 Highlights

Experience famous viewpoints, coastal villages, and quiet Highland roads at an easy pace.

Perfect for Leisure Cyclists

Ideal for cyclists who want a calm, enjoyable journey without long or demanding days.

You walk lightly with a small daypack.

We take care of the rest.

Durness

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Start

15th July 8am and 8:30am

Finish

Fort William

Distance

~361 miles

Duration

1 hr

Difficulty

First-timers, relaxed pace walkers

Best for

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Day-by-Day Walking Plan

Day 1Inverness → Lochcarron
~65 milesGentle to rolling Highlands terrain
Beauly • Muir of Ord • Achnasheen
  • Start your cycling journey from Inverness, heading west into the Scottish Highlands.
  • Ride through the charming villages of Beauly and Muir of Ord, surrounded by open fields and forested landscapes.
  • Continue towards Achnasheen, enjoying long scenic stretches with gently undulating terrain — ideal for a warm-up day.
  • Take in sweeping Highland views of rolling hills, rivers, and quiet countryside roads.
Day 2Rochvilla Guesthouse, Lochcarron
~43 milesChallenging mountain climbs
Bealach na Bà • Applecross Peninsula
  • Leave Lochcarron and head towards one of Scotland’s most iconic cycling routes.
  • Climb the legendary Bealach na Bà, famous for its steep gradients and dramatic hairpin bends.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit across mountains, sea, and islands.
  • Descend into the wild beauty of the Applecross Peninsula, passing white-sand beaches and remote coastal scenery.
Day 3 Shieldaig → Poolewe
~42 milesMixed terrain – flats & steady climbs
Torridon • Beinn Eighe • Kinlochewe
  • Begin cycling south with stunning views across Loch Shieldaig and the Torridon Mountains.
  • Pass through Torridon, dominated by the dramatic peaks of Liathach and Beinn Eighe.
  • Pass through Torridon, dominated by the dramatic peaks of Liathach and Beinn Eighe.
  • Ride alongside lochs and moorland before reaching Poolewe, located on the shores of Loch Ewe.
Day 4 Hotel or guesthouse in Poolewe
~80 milesHilly & scenic Highland roads
Stac Pollaidh • Ullapool • Summer Isles
  • Leave Poolewe and cycle north through dramatic Highland scenery.
  • Ride around Stac Pollaidh, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, offering unforgettable views.
  • Ride around Stac Pollaidh, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, offering unforgettable views.
  • Stop in the lively harbour town of Ullapool for food, coffee, or supplies.
Day 5Lochinver → Durness
Lochinver → DurnessChallenging coastal terrain
Assynt Peninsula • Clachtoll Beach • Drumbeg View
  • Depart Lochinver and cycle around the spectacular Assynt Peninsula.
  • Pass Clachtoll Beach, known for its white sands and turquoise waters.
  • Enjoy elevated viewpoints at Drumbeg, with sweeping views of coastline and sea stacks.
  • The route features steep climbs and fast descents, rewarding you with wild, untouched scenery.
Day 6 Durness → Altnaharra
~45 milesRolling hills & open landscapes
Tongue • North Coast scenery
  • Cycle east along Scotland’s dramatic north coast.
  • Pass through the charming village of Tongue, set beside its sea loch.
  • Enjoy gentler terrain compared to previous days, with wide-open landscapes and big skies.
  • Quiet roads and expansive views make this a relaxing and scenic ride.
Accommodation: Altnaharra Hotel
Day 7Altnaharra Hotel
~46 mileSMostly flat Highland riding
Lairg • Shin Falls • Kyle of Sutherland
  • Ride south through the peaceful Highland village of Lairg.
  • Cycle alongside the Kyle of Sutherland, a beautiful tidal river.
  • Stop at Shin Falls, a popular spot to watch salmon leaping upstream.
  • Cross Bonar Bridge before briefly joining the A9.
Accommodation: Morangie Hotel, Tain
Day 8Tain → Inverness
~40 milesGentle coastal cycling
Nigg Ferry • Black Isle • Moray Firth
  • Begin the day with a short crossing on the Nigg Ferry.
  • Cycle across the Black Isle, famous for its fertile farmland and coastal views.
  • Keep watch for dolphins in the Moray Firth, often seen close to shore.
  • Enjoy quiet roads and rolling terrain as you head back to Inverness.

8 nights accommodation along the NC500 route

8 nights in comfortable, cyclist-friendly accommodation.

Daily luggage transfers between overnight stops

Your main bag is transferred each day so you cycle light and comfortably.

Carefully planned 8-day cycling itinerary

A gentle route designed for relaxed and enjoyable daily cycling.

Detailed route notes and maps

Clear guidance to help you navigate each day’s ride.

Emergency contact support during your trip

Assistance available if you need help along the route.

Local knowledge and expert planning

Routes planned by people who know the NC500 inside out.

Very relaxed daily cycling distances

Shorter rides allow time for breaks, photos, and sightseeing.

Customer support before and during your trip

Friendly support to help you prepare and enjoy your journey.

Inverness

Walk Light – We Move Your Bags

Why Walk With Highland Transfers

12K+

Experts of Scotlands Trails

Carbon-Conscious Company

Hundreds of 5-star Reviews

15+Years

Effortless Luggage Transfers

Support When You Need It

Accommodation Planning

Trusted by Walkers & Cyclists Worldwide

Insurance: We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers hiking activities.

Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy in remote sections like Rannoch Moor.

Emergency: Dial 999 for emergencies. Our support team is available for logistical issues.

Complete Guide for the NC500


    FAQS

    1. Does the package include accommodation?

    Yes, accommodation is included for all nights of your trip.

    2. Is baggage transferred between overnight stops?

    Yes, daily baggage transfers are included.

    3. Are routes suitable for cycling?

    Yes, routes are carefully planned for cyclists.

    4. What level of fitness is required?

    A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended.

    5. Is support available during the trip?

    Yes, local support is available before and during your journey.

    6. Can the itinerary be customised?

    Yes, itineraries can be adjusted on request.

    5.0 Stars Rating

    NC500 8 day cycle package

    From

    £1,300 / Per Porson

    • 8 Days
    • 361 Miles
    • Flexible Dates

    Includes

    • Daily Transfer Guaranteed
    • Door-to-Door Service
    • Very Relaxed Cycling Pace
    • Detailed Route Notes

    *Preferred dates are flexible.

    road

    West Highland Way

    location

    John Muir

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    NC500

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    Badger Divide

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    Great Glen

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    Rob Roy

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