Cycling The North Coast 500

This guidebook describes a 528-mile cycling route in northern Scotland. Starting and finishing in the highland capital Inverness, the circular route passes through the ancient counties and districts of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle and is suitable for mountain, touring and road bikes.

This guidebook describes a 528-mile cycling route in northern Scotland. Starting and finishing in the highland capital Inverness, the circular route passes through the ancient counties and districts of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle and is suitable for all types of bike: the going is entirely on asphalt-surfaced roads, though many are quiet with little traffic. The circuit can be comfortably completed in a fortnight. Featuring clear and concise route description, together with 1:150,000 mapping, gradient profiles, suggested schedules and invaluable practical information - including complete lists of all hostel/bunkhouse accommodation, official campsites and services for cyclists and advice on other accommodation and refreshment opportunities, this guidebook provides all the information needed to plan and execute a terrific cycle tour. Alternative routes are provided in case you should wish to avoid the steep ascent of Bealach na Bà or the undulating Assynt peninsula, or to include the busier A9 east coast road. The route boasts stunning scenery and rich historical interest and cyclists will be treated to mile upon mile of unspoilt wilderness. The journey takes in varied landscapes of craggy mountains, verdant glens, rolling peat moorland dotted with lochs and wild rugged coastlines - and if the scenery isn't enough, there are many distilleries and micro-breweries on or near the route guaranteed to entice. With notes on history, geology, wildlife and local points of interest, the guide offers a perfect way to get to know Scotland's captivating far north.

This cycling guidebook follows the course of a new cycling route around the North Coast of Scotland, described as Scotland's own Route 66. Since its launch in 2015 this route, branded as 'North Coast 500' (NC500), it has proved to be a resounding success, with motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists flocking to Inverness to put rubber to the road, driving and riding through some of the most spectacular scenery in the United Kingdom. This guidebook is aimed specifically at cyclists, describing the entire coastal route over seven stages. A sketch plan, elevation graphs and turn-by-turn directions are given to each stage; points of interest are highlighted, and in many cases illustrated; helpful sections on travel to Inverness, nutrition, navigation and emergency cycle repairs; alternative route is offered to the busy and challenging A9 section south of Wick and finally, a full list of accommodation providers to suit all budgets. An invaluable guide to cyling Scotland's North Coast, one of the finest cycle tours in Britain. Nicolas Mitchell is passionate about cycle touring and has thousands of cycling miles to his credit, this is his third cycling guide book for Crowood.

A lively and entertaining road trip around Scotland's North Coast 500 Route, exploring the history and cultural heritage of the area with plenty of exciting diversions and anecdotes along the way. Journeying around the Northern Highlands of Scotland, the author visits many towns and villages as well as sometimes going off the beaten track.

FREE DOWNLOADABLE GPX ROUTE FILES Great British Bike Rides is a celebration of British road cycling. Author Dave Barter brings together forty of the best road rides in England, Scotland and Wales, searching out the country's most celebrated routes, toughest climbs and most scenic roads. The rides are challenging, they are adventurous, and they are quintessentially British – tackle the gradients of the classic Fred Whitton in the English Lake District; pit yourself against fearsome climbs inspired by the Dragon Ride in Wales; and feast upon Scotland's stunning scenery following wild roads through Assynt and across Skye. Already a fanatical cyclist, author Dave Barter packed in his job and hit the road, embarking on a 9,000-mile tour of Britain to bring together the best riding the country has to offer. His cycle routes are devised specifically for this book, enchaining unforgettable climbs, quiet roads and stunning scenery. Each ride is accompanied by detailed route information, bespoke mapping and a statistical breakdown including every detail the committed cyclist requires. The book is complemented with a set of downloadable GPX files to further aid navigation. Join the cycling revolution and discover the best road cycling in Great Britain.

This guidebook describes 37 day rides for all abilities, and 22 linking routes for more experienced cycle tourists, allow riders to visit all the essential sights in over 20 islands of the Hebrides and of the Firth of Clyde. Routes range from those suitable for short weekend breaks to a challenging 600-mile tour (includes the 200 mile Hebridean Way / NCR 780 along the length of the Outer Hebrides). Whether you're putting together a fortnight's tour or just enjoying a few day rides from a single base, this guide is packed with useful information to help you make the most of your trip. The Hebridean islands offer a wealth of wonderful scenery: the majestic Cuillin mountains on Skye; the otherworldly palm trees on Bute; the marvellous white shell sands on Tiree and Harris. This guidebook features detailed custom mapping and elevation profiles for all routes, and comprehensive information of ferry and transport routes, accommodation, food and drink, supplies, cycle spares and repairs. Island hopping in these islands is a magical experience. The guide visits over 20 of them and each has its own interesting history and wildlife. Reasonably fit cyclists can enjoy these routes at their own pace; experienced cycle tourists will eat up the miles.

This practical travel guide to the North Coast 500 features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This North Coast 500 guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make the North Coast 500 easier to navigate while you're there. This guide book to the North Coast 500 has been fully updated post-COVID-19. The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500 covers: Inverness to the Black Isle and beyond, the road to John O'Groats, along the North Coast, exploring the Northwest and Wester Ross to Inverness. Inside this North Coast 500 travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Experiences selected for every kind of trip to the North Coast 500, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in the Black Isle, to family activities in child-friendly places, like Dunrobin Castle, or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Inverness. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Essential pre-departure information including the North Coast 500 entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of the North Coast 500, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this the North Coast 500 travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for going whale watching off the west coast or hiking. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of the Caledonian Canal, Inverness, Ness Islands, and Thurso's best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to the North Coast 500, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this North Coast 500 guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to the North Coast 500 features fascinating insights into the North Coast 500, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Assynt and the spectacular Duncansby Head sea stacks. COLOUR-CODED MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in the North Coast, the Black Isle, and many more locations around the North Coast 500, reduce the need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.