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Distance
500 miles / 830 km
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Duration
5–9 days
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Route
Inverness → Inverness
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Difficulty
Challenging
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Best Season
May – September
Let us take the weight off your shoulders.
We carry the heavy bags. You carry only what you need for the day — giving your body and mind the space to actually enjoy the Highlands.
- Cycle with a light daypack only (water, layers, snacks).
- No heavy gear to haul over the challenging Bealach na Bà pass.
- Flexible, personal itineraries built for your pace, from 5 to 8-day adventures.
Baggage Transfer Rules
Max 20kg per bag. Ready for collection by 8:00 am – 8:30 am.
Cycle with a light daypack
Carry only the essentials — water, snacks, and waterproofs. We collect your luggage so you can focus on the ride ahead.
No tents, no heavy gear
Your luggage is transferred between accommodations and will be waiting when you arrive at your hotel or guesthouse.
Flexible, personal itineraries
Choose a pace that suits you. Routes and distances can be adjusted to match your cycling ability and daily plan.
Local support when you need it
Our local team is always on hand to provide support, assistance, and peace of mind along the way.
Cycle North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s ultimate scenic route, offering an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of the Highlands. Spanning over 500 miles of rugged coastline, this world-famous loop delivers ever-changing scenery—from dramatic mountain passes like the Bealach na Bà to tranquil lochs and white-sand beaches.
It is the perfect challenge for a self-guided cycling holiday, taking you through remote landscapes and charming villages like Shieldaig, Durness, and Ullapool. Whether you are tackling the steep hairpin bends of the Applecross Peninsula or enjoying the rolling moors of Assynt, it is a journey of natural splendor and cultural discovery.
Route Stops
- 1 Inverness (Start)
- 2 Lochcarron
- 3 Shieldaig
- 4 Poolewe
- 5 Lochinver
- 6 Durness
- 7 Altnaharra
- 8 Tain (Finish)
Inverness
Capital of the Highlands
The official starting point of your NC500 adventure. This historic city offers a beautiful Highland setting and a vibrant atmosphere to prepare for the 500-mile loop ahead.
ExploreStay at the Chieftain Hotel or Columba Hotel for a stress-free start; the team meets here between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to collect your bags.
~65 miles
Interactive Route
North Coast 500 Route Map
Tap each stop to see distances, terrain & accommodation zones.
Packages & Journeys
Your Next Unforgettable Adventure
Discover breathtaking landscapes and curated experiences crafted for the modern explorer.
The 2026 season runs from 22 March to 19 October.
offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays.
Want something different?
We design custom walking & cycling adventures across the Scotland — built around your pace, preferences, and dates.
Reliable Baggage Transfers Along the North Coast 500
You don’t need a full package to enjoy the North Coast 500 at its best. If you already have accommodation booked, Highland Transfers’ baggage-only service lets you cycle the route with nothing more than a light daypack—while we move your luggage safely from stop to stop.
Each morning between 8:00 am and 8:30 am, leave your bag for our team. Each afternoon, arrive to find it waiting at your next destination, whether it’s a cozy guest house in Lochcarron or the remote Altnaharra Hotel. No heavy packs and no logistical stress. Just steady progress and space to enjoy the rugged Highland scenery.
Our baggage transfer service is designed to work seamlessly across the full 500-mile loop or your own custom stages.
Day-by-Day Walking Plan
Select your preferred itinerary to see what each day has in store.
Select a package above to see your detailed itinerary
Dave 5-Day North Coast 500
A more relaxed, immersive experience
- Cycle through the beautiful Highlands, passing the charming villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord, and Achnasheen.
- Experience a gradual 1-mile climb out of Lochcarron to warm up for the adventure.
- Conquer the Bealach na ba pass, one of the most challenging roads in Scotland with steep hairpin bends.
- Pedal through the dramatic Torridon range, surrounded by peaks like Beinn Alligin and Liathach.
- Ride alongside the sparkling waters of Loch Maree and through ancient Caledonian pine forests.
- Transition to a coastal setting with stunning views of the Summer Isles as you approach Ullapool.
- Cycle around Stac Pollaidh, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, with sweeping coastal vistas.
- Explore the Assynt Peninsula, featuring the beautiful Clachtoll Beach and Drumbeg View.
- Pop into the Secret Tea Room in Drumbeg for coffee and cake to fuel up for the next section.
- Cycle along the stunning northern coastline through the charming village of Tongue.
- Experience one of the most remote rides in the UK, especially the second half after Melvich.
- A support driver will meet you during the second half to provide reassurance, fluids, and snacks.
- Pass through Lairg and stop at Shin Falls to watch Atlantic salmon leaping up the falls.
- Cross the Bonar Bridge and enjoy the relatively flat terrain compared to previous days.
- Take a short ferry ride from Nigg to the Black Isle and watch for dolphins in the Moray Firth.
Chloe 6 day NC500
A more relaxed, immersive experience
- Cycle through the beautiful Highlands, passing the charming villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord, and Achnasheen.
- The first 65 miles are mostly flat, serving as a good warm-up for the second half of the ride.
- Conquer the Bealach na bà pass, one of the most challenging roads in Scotland with steep hairpin bends.
- Pedal through the dramatic Torridon range, surrounded by majestic peaks like Beinn Alligin and Liathach.
- Ride alongside the sparkling waters of Loch Maree and through ancient Caledonian pine forests.
- Enjoy coastal views of the Summer Isles scattered across the horizon as you approach Ullapool.
- Cycle around Stac Pollaidh, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains, with sweeping coastal vistas.
- Explore the Assynt Peninsula, featuring the beautiful Clachtoll Beach and Drumbeg View.
- Pop into the Secret Tea Room in Drumbeg for coffee and cake to fuel up for the next section.
- Cycle along the stunning northern coastline through the charming village of Tongue.
- Experience a very remote ride, especially the second half of the day as you leave Melvich.
- A support driver will meet you during the second half to provide reassurance, fluids, and snacks.
- Ride through the Highland village of Lairg and along the beautiful Kyle of Sutherland.
- Stop at Shin Falls to witness Atlantic salmon leaping up the falls during their migration.
- Take a short ferry from Nigg to the Black Isle and look for dolphins in the Moray Firth.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Inverness after completing your epic cycle.
- Take some time to explore the historic city center or visit Inverness Castle.
- Reflect on the diverse landscapes and rugged beauty you’ve traversed over the past 500 miles.
Jane 7 day NC500
A more relaxed, immersive experience
- Cycle through the beautiful Scottish Highlands, passing through the charming villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord, and Achnasheen.
- Enjoy stunning views of the rugged landscape, featuring rolling hills, open fields, and dense forests.
- The terrain is mostly flat, making it a perfect warm-up for the bigger climbs ahead.
- Tackle the Bealach na bà pass and the Applecross Peninsula, one of the most challenging and breathtaking routes in Scotland.
- Look for nesting Sea Eagles near Shieldaig and enjoy views of the Torridon Mountains.
- Pass through Kinlochewe and the renowned Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve to see diverse ecosystems.
- Cycle parallel to Loch Ewe with beautiful views of rolling hills and lush greenery.
- Pass through the idyllic village of Aultbea and look for seals along the shoreline as you leave Laide.
- Traverse through the untamed wilderness where you can spot Highland cattle grazing in the meadows.
- Often described as the “best cycle ever,” this route takes you around the iconic Stac Pollaidh mountain.
- Stop at the charming village of Lochinver and refuel with a world-famous pie from the Lochinver Larder.
- Ride around the Assynt Peninsula to witness the beauty of Clachtoll Beach and Drumbeg View.
- Enjoy a more relaxed day of cycling along the stunning coastline of the far north of Scotland.
- Pedal through the charming village of Tongue with beautiful views of the rugged Highland scenery.
- The terrain features rolling hills that are less demanding than previous days.
- Follow the route through the Highland village of Lairg and along the scenic Kyle of Sutherland.
- Be sure to stop at Shin Falls, a famous spot to witness Atlantic salmon leaping.
- Cycle over the Bonar Bridge before entering the historic heart of Tain.
- Take a short, scenic ferry ride from Nigg Ferry to the Black Isle peninsula
- Keep a close eye on the Moray Firth, as dolphins are frequently seen swimming in these waters.
- Cycle through the serene countryside of the Black Isle as you complete your 500-mile loop.
Lesley 8 day NC500
A more relaxed, immersive experience
- Cycle through the beautiful Scottish Highlands, passing through the charming villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord, and Achnasheen.
- Enjoy stunning views of the rugged landscape, featuring rolling hills, open fields, and dense forests.
- The terrain is mostly flat, making it an ideal warm-up for the bigger challenges ahead in the journey.
- Experience some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland while making your way over the famous Bealach na bà pass.
- Navigate the Applecross Peninsula, known for its challenging hairpin bends and steep, rewarding climbs.
- Take in breathtaking views from the top and pass by picturesque villages and white-sand beaches.
- Begin in the charming village of Shieldaig, nestled among vistas of the Torridon Mountains.
- Pause at Torridon, a haven for nature lovers, where the peaks of Liathach and Beinn Eighe dominate the skyline.
- Pass through Kinlochewe, an ideal rest stop providing access to the renowned Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve.
- Travel along the road that circles Stac Pollaidh, one of the most iconic and recognizable mountains in Scotland.
- Navigate hilly terrain that rewards you with crystal-clear lochs and sweeping coastal vistas.
- Stop in the charming village of Ullapool for a cup of coffee or a quick bite before heading north.
- Cycle around the Assynt Peninsula, taking in the beautiful scenery of Clachtoll Beach and Drumbeg View.
- Face a challenging terrain of sweeping moors and peaceful lochs with plentiful scenic rewards.
- Visit the historic and beautiful Smoo Cave, located right in the local area of your stay.
- Ride along the stunning coastline of the far north of Scotland, passing through the village of Tongue.
- Experience terrain that is less challenging than previous days, featuring gentle rolling hills.
- Enjoy beautiful views of the rugged coastline as you head inland toward the Highland wilderness.
- Route through Lairg, a charming Highland village, and continue along the beautiful Kyle of Sutherland.
- Stop at Shin Falls, a famous location perfect for watching Atlantic salmon leaping up the falls
- Cycle over the Bonar Bridge before heading into the heart of the historic town of Tain.
- Take a short ferry ride from Nigg Ferry over to the Black Isle, a peninsula known for stunning views.
- Keep a close eye on the water for dolphins, which are frequently spotted swimming in the Moray Firth.
- Cycle the final leg into Inverness, completing your full loop of the North Coast 500.
About Highland transfers
Why Travellers
Trust Highland Transfers
We offer carefully curated destinations and tours that capture
the true essence of location, ensuring you experience.
12K+
Bags moved every season
Experts of Scotlands Trails
Carbon-Conscious Company
Hundreds of 5-star Reviews
15+Years
Experience in Scottish routes
Effortless Luggage Transfers
Support When You Need It
Accommodation Planning
The Route at a Glance
The adventure begins in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, easing you into the journey through beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and dense forests. Early highlights include passing through charming villages like Beauly and Muir of Ord as you prepare for the bigger climbs ahead.
As the route continues, the landscapes grow bigger and bolder. You’ll tackle the legendary Bealach na Bà pass with its breathtaking hairpin bends, cycle alongside the majestic Loch Maree, and explore the rugged Assynt Peninsula. The journey takes you through the most remote parts of the UK, passing iconic landmarks like Stac Pollaidh and the atmospheric ruins of Castle Varrich.
Top Tip :
Keep an eye out for Atlantic salmon leaping at Shin Falls, and don’t miss the chance to spot dolphins in the Moray Firth as you cross the Black Isle on the final leg back to Inverness.
Trusted by Walkers & Cyclists Worldwide
Your adventure matters — that’s why we handle the details, support you on the
journey, and make exploring Scotland simple, safe and unforgettable.
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the NC500 route?
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland’s ultimate scenic road trip and cycling route, covering around 500 miles around the northern Highlands. It starts and ends in Inverness and is famous for its coastal roads, mountains, beaches, and remote landscapes.
Is the NC500 suitable for cycling holidays?
Yes. The NC500 is popular with experienced cyclists looking for a challenging but rewarding adventure. While some sections involve long distances and climbs, the scenery and quiet roads make it ideal for a self-guided cycle tour.
How many days does it take to complete the NC500 by bike?
Most cyclists complete the NC500 in 7 to 14 days, depending on daily distance, fitness level, and whether rest days are included. We can tailor an itinerary to match your pace.
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out!
