North Coast 500 | September
Sat 2 - Sat 9 Sep 2023 Inverness, Highland, UK

North Coast 500 | September

The ultimate coastal scenic tour of Northern Scotland! The 500+ mile loop meanders its way from Inverness Castle around the coastal contours from white sandy beaches to breathtaking hill top views.

  • Sat 2 - Sat 9 Sep 2023
Inverness Castle, Inverness

North Coast 500 | September

08:00

£20

All ages

  • 7 days road cycling

Overview

The NC500 is the ultimate coastal scenic tour of Northern Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle and following the winding contours of the coast line. Taking in the likes of Easter Ross, Caithness and Wester Ross, you’ll get to see the beauty the Highlands have to offer from the comfort of your saddle!

Highlights

  • Once-in-a-lifetime cycling challenge

    Cover 548 miles of the UK and 36,000 feet of elevation over 8 days.

  • Britain's picturesque coastline

    Stay overnight in quaint villages and welcoming towns.

  • 50-90 miles each day

    Uplifting camaraderie as you share experiences with other riders.

  • Zero challenge costs, low fundraising target

    The most cost-effective way to explore Britain. Camping and 'roughing it' are embraced, but luxury options available too.

  • Visit MS support groups

    Support research and treatment whilst travelling the country.

  • All fitness levels
  • Teams

Ability levels

Cyclists range from beginners to cross-country veterans! With the right determination, everyone can do it.

There are people of all ages and backgrounds, riding for different reasons and who have different cycling abilities.

There will be no one telling you what speed to ride, what groups to ride in or when to stop. The better prepared you are for the ride, the more enjoyable it will be, and you will get help with your training.

Training

You must have ridden at least 500 miles on the bike you plan to ride on, including back to back 60 mile rides and wet weather riding.

  • Cafe
  • Coast
  • Paid parking
  • Rural
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

Inverness Castle
Inverness
Highland
IV2 3EG
UK

  • First aid
  • Hilly
  • Navigation required
  • Out and back
  • Single start
  • Sleeping facilities
  • Sweeper
  • Toilets
  • Water stations

Route summary

  • Start at Inverness
  • Brora (88 miles/142km)
  • John O'Groats (64 miles/103km)
  • Tongue (65 miles/105km)
  • Scourie (54 miles/87km)
  • Ullapool (70 miles/113km)
  • near Gairloch (59 miles/95km)
  • Lochcarron (83 miles/134km)
  • Finish at Inverness (65 miles/105km) 

Route description

The route follows the winding contours of the coast line. Taking in the likes of Easter Ross, Caithness and Wester Ross, you'll get to see the beauty the Highlands have to offer from the comfort of your saddle!

Starting at Inverness Castle, you'll spend the first day working your way through the highlands before joining the East coast up to John O'Groats on Day 2. After battling the winds along the North coast, you'll start to work your way South towards Ullapool following the meandering coast line and gorgeous scenery on small quiet lanes.

The final big test comes on Day 7 with the infamous Bealach na Ba pass from Applecross. Nearly 2000ft of elevation over 5 miles will be a real sting in the legs, but you'll be rewarded with the ultimate descent to Tornapress. After a final dash to Inverness, you'll be celebrating a fantastic achievement at the Castle!

Accommodation

A mix of camping, staying at churches, town halls and community centres. There are options to book alternatives if preferred. 

Sustainability

  • Public transport links

  • Map
  • Technical t-shirt
  • Training plan

This is a supported ride which means you're provided with the platform to help you reach your goal of riding from End to End.

The trip is planned so you can focus on training, preparing your gear and planning your journey to and from the event.

Included

  • Basic accommodation – mostly camping
  • Multi-vehicle support
  • All luggage and camping equipment transfer - meaning you can travel light
  • Qualified, experienced, welcoming route leaders - to help you along the way
  • Water stops every 20-30 miles - to reduce the amount you carry
  • GPX files, Strava routes and bespoke maps with turn-by-turn directions, specially designed for cycling - to make navigation easy
  • Team cycle jersey and apparel
  • Minor bike maintenance
  • A phenomenal sense of achievement

Not Included

  • Meals
  • Road or touring bicycle
  • Snacks whilst cycling
  • Cycling clothing and equipment
  • Camping kit (tent/sleeping bag/ground mat/pillow)

  • Fundraising incentives
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising required
  • Fundraising support

With an achievable £1.50 per mile, £825 fundraising target and no sign up fee, there’s no more cost effective way to travel the country.

Bike the UK for MS

Bike the UK for MS is a registered charity organising events to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and support those living with MS. Through partnership with the MS Society funds are split between community level support for local groups and funding research to one day Stop MS.

No connection to MS?

Don't worry, many of the riders don't! This is an opportunity for an amazing adventure and learn about the disease as we ride.

  • All ages
  • Entries open
  • Enter online
  • Fundraising required

Entry fees

Entry fee

£20.00

Minimum sponsorship

£825.00

You can do anything if you set your mind to it. And to help those along the way is an honour.