NC500 - North Coast 500

Ha, yeah we were feeling good! Was the only day we had midgies too so stops were pretty quick.

Could you share your route?

Thanks I’ll have a look at that

Mark Beaumont did a GCN film of it - worth watching.
Hi route basically cut off the top right hand corner and went inland

Schzam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J2gAY-WZhU

Hopefully, this link works? https://www.strava.com/activities/3848791067

I've also got the gpx's split into 3 days if you need at all.

Definitely worth watching the GCN video as @frank9755 says, really good.

What platform is the gpx on?
Could be handy. Is it turn by turn?
Just added you on Strava too

On Garmin:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/38327548
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/38360111
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/38327833

Let me know if these work and yes turn by turn.

Sleeper booked both ways giving us 4 days. Cancellation policy is good so thought better to have it booked and work from there!!
Booked for early May, fingers crossed on the Covid front

Nice one, should avoid any midges then too.

Fingers crossed still need domestic clearance. On the Beaumont route is there any non tarmac?

I think there was one road we diverted from his route. From memory, it was around Tongue and we both felt the main road was a better bet as this section looked non-tarmac and ludicrously steep. So yep, all tarmac.

Nice.

Does Scotland have a similar “Road Map” to England? Where might I find it?

Ahh - just realised what you meant. ie plan for lockdown exit. Don't know if it is out yet.

Nothing as of yet.

Looking more viable. Have started planning a little more.
So current route looks a bit like this;
Laide 255 with a 9am start is not ideal
Durness 465
New Reay 676
Inverness 877 Sleeper back is at 8

1 Attachment

Accommodation is proving a little tricky

All booked!! Pretty excited.
Nothing much to do besides getting some good rides in before!!

Well done, hope the border stays open, midges are kind and you enjoy it!

Pray for nice weather. 🙏🏻

Yep weather and the B&B’s not closing at short notice are the main concerns.

Any horror stories to share??

You may already know this but midges really are unbearable. We were lucky as we only had a really small bit of rain the first day and after that, we didn't see them at all. Is it May you're going? I've heard they're not that active then but probably worth taking some spray. Avon Skin So Soft seems be well regarded by locals.

no matter what you think about the midge conditions before you get there, make sure you take a headnet. It packs down very small but probably the best thing you'll have in your bag if you do hit the midge clouds.

If it's open I would heartedly recommend lunch at the Applecross Inn (ideally after descending the Beaclach). That seafood, combined with the local ale, and then the ride up past Shieldaig is probably my number one day on the bike