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Published by julia, 2020-05-12 16:41:02

42 Cycling - NC500

NC500 Cycle Tour

Keywords: Cycle,scotland,highlands of scotland,spirit journeys

NORTH COAST 500
HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND

WELCOME

42cycling was established to share our passion for cycling and experiencing the stunning
scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Born from a desire to explore roads less travelled, create
friendships while forging strong bonds. Discover rare hidden gems, awe-inspiring glens, and
landscapes, all from the saddle of your bicycle.

The Highlands lay claim to being the last great wilderness in Europe and this trip in particular
aims to introduce you to that rugged, yet beautiful world. You will have your mind opened as
we circumnavigate the northern Highlands, and it is sure to live in the memory long after you
return home. A landscape rich in military history from the Romans right through to WWII and
the Cold War.

We present an exhilarating 10-day escape with some long days in the saddle on an iconic
coastal route. Complete with pristine sandy white beaches, tropical turquoise green seas, and
breath-taking scenery, not to mention a distillery or two! We will cover approximately 540
miles of riding with a total ascent of 33,000ft. Not for the faint-hearted, but indeed an
adventure of a lifetime.

Under the expert guidance of 42cycling, you will grow in confidence, strength, and endurance,
refreshing the mind, body and soul as we fortify ourselves and reconnect with the mountains
and importantly, each other.

Has to be one of THEE must-do cycle rides of your life.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

THE ESSENTIALS

Dates: To be confirmed.

Accommodation: Mix of Hotels, B + B's, Inn's and Youth Hostels.

Catering: Breakfast as stated, lunch and evening meals in cafe's and restaurants.

Contact: [email protected] +44 (0) 7824 097773 Kevin Stacey

LIKELY WEATHER

While we can guarantee a tremendous cycling experience, we can't guarantee the
unpredictable Scottish weather. Traditionally July and August are warm months with average
temperatures of 14 degrees and high temperatures of 25 degrees. Rainfall average for both sits
around 7.13cm and 7.7cm of rain respectively. You'll be pleased to know there is no snow
forecast.

Data taken from Weather Trends.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Twelve nights accommodation.
• 10 days of riding Scotland's North Coast.
• One leg loosener ride and one recovery ride.
• A visit to the banks of Loch Ness.
• Whisky and Gin Distillery visit.
• All breakfast meals.
• Experienced guide for each day.
• Complimentary sports nutrition.
• Full mechanical assistance from a qualified mechanic throughout.
• Entrance fees to any visitor attractions as stipulated.
• 42Cycling welcome pack.
• Refreshed mind, body and soul.

WHAT’S NOT

• Transport to Inverness.
• Lunchtime/evening meals.
• Personal travel and accident insurance.
• All drinks.
• Incidental expenses.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Bike Hire.
• Support vehicle and driver unless previously agreed and specified.
• Any Adhoc vistits to attractions en route.
• 42Cycling SL Pro or Club Road Jersey by Endura at cost £85 and £62 respectively.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

COSTING

This trip is underwritten by Spirit Journeys Worldwide, who will co-ordinate all
accommodation and financial requirements safeguarding your funds should the unthinkable
happen. Contact details for Spirit Journeys Worldwide, is found on the last page.
Competitively priced in accordance with the seasonal time of your trip, please get in
touch direct for a quoted itinerary.

Options are as follows on a Gold, Silver and Bronze grading;

Gold - Full support minus lunch and evening meals with any entrance fees paid as specified.

Silver - Accommodation and guide only, with any entrance fees paid as specified.

Bronze - Guide only to accompany you on your own personal planned trip.

42CYCLING JERSEY

There is an option to purchase a top quality bespoke Endura Custom 42Cycle jersey at the
following cost below. Both shirt designs are the same and found by clicking on the link here.

42 SL PRO Road £85 Very tight-fitting and aero designed jersey.

42 Club Road £62 A more relaxed, comfortable fitting jersey.

AVAILABILITY

Hotel, bed and breakfast, Inn's and Hostel accommodation is dependent on availability at the
time of booking your trip. you are encouraged to book early to maximise availability, especially
during peak season.

Note: any red boxes above are electronic links that will take you additional information.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

BACKGROUND TO THE HIGHLAND REGION

The Highlands (Scots: the Hielands; Scottish Gaelic: A' Ghàidhealtachd 'the place of the Gaels') is
a historic, culturally rich region of Scotland. The Highlands and the Lowlands diverged from the
later middle ages into the modern period, when Lowland Scots replaced Scottish Gaelic
throughout most of the Lowlands. The Heilands is a term still used to describe the area to the
North and west of the Highland Boundary. However, the exact boundaries are not clearly defined,
particularly to the East. The Great Glen divides the Grampian Mountains to the southeast from the
northwest Highlands where we will be cycling.

The Highlands are the largest of Scotlands whisky-producing regions with the relevant area
running from Orkney to the Isle of Arran in the south. Much of the Northern Islands, Inner and
Outer Hebrides, Argyll, Stirlingshire, Arran, sections of Perthshire and Aberdeenshire are also
classed as part of the Highlands. A massive area with over 30 distilleries, 47 including the Islands
sub-region. According to one source, the top five are, The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Aberlour,
Glenfarclas and Balvenie. Lets also not forget the local Royal Brackla Distillery in Cawdor just to
the East of Inverness. Brackla Distillery, established by Captain William Fraser in 1812, became
the first whisky distillery to be granted a Royal Warrant by order of the King. Making Royal Brackla
one of only three distilleries to bear the name Royal, the others being the active distillery Royal
Lochnagar and the demolished distillery Glenury Royal. Queen Victoria renewed Bracklas Royal
Warrant in 1838.

For the connoisseurs of good whisky, we would offer these thoughts; Northern Highlands whisky is
characteristically fruity, sweet, spicy, malty. In three words, sweet and full-bodied. Eastern
Highlands and Southern Highlands whiskies tend to be lighter in texture where the distilleries in
the Western Highlands produce single malts with a much peatier influence.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

WILDLIFE

The Highlands is full of wildlife, with Bottlenose Dolphins in the Moray Firth to Golden Eagles,
Peregrine Falcons, White Tailed Sea Eagles, Mountain Ptarmigan, Heron, Oyster Catchers,
Otters, Seals, Wild Highland Ponies, as well as the infamous Highland Cow and plenty Red, Roe,
Fallow and Sika deer to name but a few.
On some parts of the Atlantic coast, you may even be lucky enough to see whales. There has
even been an Orca pod sighted!
Flora and fauna are vital to the survival of our wildlife and is abundant throughout the region.
Below are pictures of what you could reasonably expect to see from the saddle. Theres plenty to
keep on the lookout for.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

WHISKY

There are many distilleries on our route around the coast, especially on the East Coast of the
Highlands. We aim to give you a wee taster by visiting the following distilleries;
Glenmorangie In 1843, William Matheson founded the Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish
Highlands. Inspired by the Distillerys peaceful surroundings on the banks of the Dornoch Firth, he
brought forth a pioneering single malt whisky wonderfully complex and exceptionally smooth. Ever
since, we have pursued our craft with uncompromising dedication, endlessly creative in our quest
for perfection. To this day, we honour the Distillery's provenance in our award-winning single malt.
Its pure, smooth spirit is distilled in Scotland’s tallest stills, matured in the finest casks and
perfected by The Men of Tain. And, in the hands of these select craftsmen, the guardians of our
spirit, Glenmorangie will surely delight malt whisky lovers for generations to come. Extract taken
from Glenmorangie.com website.
Glen Ord On your visit here you will have a fully-guided tour of Glen Ord distillery where you will
learn all about the processes involved in the making of the Singleton of Glen Ord single malt
Scotch whisky. Finishing with a taste of a 12 year old Singleton of Glen Ord. Extract taken from
Glen Ord Distillery tour information.
Did you know that a whisky can not be classed as a Scotch whisky until it has aged for at least
three years in Scotland, however, most age for far longer than that.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

FOOD

Scotland is a country rich with different varieties of food. We have the Atlantic Ocean to our West
beating it's waves on our shores to the wild mountains and glens full of fertile soil and clean,
sparkling freshwater streams running down from the mountains. Scottish cuisine is incredibly
diverse and often high calorific, ideal staple food for a cyclist on a multi-day trip. You can expect
to come across some of the foods listed below on your trip.
Porridge, Lorne Sausage, Fruit Pudding, Scottish Smoked Salmon,
Scottish Haddock, Scotch Pie, Scotch egg, Shortbread, Scones, Oatcakes, Scottish Tablet
Haggis, Venison which is deer meat. The famous Badachro shellfish, Cranachan which is a
dessert consisting of raspberries, oatmeal, honey and whisky.
You will have opportunities to sample some of these foods throughout your 12 days in the
Highlands with a wide varied selection of food to cater for all dietary requirements.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY

Arrive Inverness and check into your accommodation. We will meet you and go over all the
tour documentation and introduce you to a taster of the fantastic riding to come. A leg loosener
cycle around the local area will serve as a final opportunity to ensure your bike is firing on all
cylinders. Our trained mechanic will be on hand to fine-tune your machine. After this, it's time to
rest up, eat well, relax and dream of the days to come.

If not done so already, then you will have a chance to upload all of your GPX files for the
coming days. Of course, 42cycling will be there to help if you haven't managed to do this. You
are in good hands! Ask your guide for their recommendation of preferred 'watering holes' and
local restaurants.

Distance: 20.59m Ascent: 1320ft

Overnight at Moray Park Guest House.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide and leg loosener.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 2 – Inverness to Kinlochewe

We set off on our adventure heading west from Inverness on a mixture of quiet, peaceful
country roads and few A' roads. The route becomes increasingly more impressive as the
day progresses, we will pass several small settlements and serene lochs, venturing into
ever more remote country. We will have plenty of time to stop and admire the scenery and
still make lunch at the Hotel.

Distance: 53.21 miles Ascent: 1853ft

Overnight at Kinlochewe Hotel.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 3 – Kinlochewe to Applecross

We ride one of the most challenging and highest stretches of paved road in the British Isles
today. The famous 'Bealach na Ba' awaits and will prove one of the biggest tests of your trip.
Beautiful and rugged with weather to match this will require some guts and determination. The
name comes from the Scottish Gaelic, 'Bealach nam Bò', meaning 'pass of the cattle'. What
was a narrow gravel drover's road renowned for being frequently inaccessible due to bad
weather.

Bealach-Na-Ba will take your breath away and offers a tremendous challenge. You will start
from near sea-level rising 626m in 9.1km, reaching 20% at its steepest gradient. If you wanted
to do an 'Everesting Challenge', it would only take 14.1 times to climb the 8,848m before we
carry on to Applecross.

Distance: 47.82 miles Ascent: 3681ft

Overnight at Applecross Inn.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 4 – Applecross to Badachro

After yesterday's big day you will be energised again by the magnificent scenery which
dominates today. Our route winds it's way through arguably the most spectacular landscape in
the UK. Dramatic mountains rise like Celtic Gods and Goddesses, providing an unforgettable
backdrop to the day's riding. The camera, as well as the legs, will be working hard today.
Enjoy a tipple at Badachro Gin distillery and also a chance to sample the world-renowned
shellfish for dinner.

Distance: 61.46 miles Ascent: 4165ft

Overnight at Badachro Inn.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 5 – Badachro to Ullapool

Hugging the coastline of Wester Ross see's us passing mountains, moors and wild scenery,
there's a lot of climbing today with an exhilarating long descent into Dundonnell.

The day's ride will end at the pretty port of Ullapool. Settle into the Hotel and then explore
the town with its scenic waterfront and excellent pubs and restaurants.

Distance: 61.23 miles Ascent: 4278ft

Overnight at Harbour House Ullapool.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 6 – Ullapool to Lochinver

We leave Ullapool where another amazing mountain scene reveals itself, the mighty Stac
Pollaidh. The rest of the day is spent on some simply brilliant roads as we press further North.
Throughout you will see stunning mountain views and the sea on the way to Lochinver, our
next overnight stop.
Distance: 29.63 miles Ascent: 2662ft Overnight: Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel.
Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 7 – Lochinver to Kylesku

You might want to hold back on the full Scottish breakfast as this short yet enriching day is so
enthralling is tough to do justice, you have to see it to believe it. A thin ribbon of tarmac floats
up and descends for over 2854ft / 869m through the most incredible coast and mountain
scenery – it is like no road you have even ridden before! There is plenty of time to stop for
pictures and to admire the many stunning views.

There will be a picture stop by the iconic bridge in Kylesku before heading back to the
Kylesku Hotel for something to eat and drink.

Distance: 24.98 miles Ascent: 2854ft

Overnight at Kylesku Hotel.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 8 – Kylesku to Durness

We find ourselves winding our way through one of the most northerly roads on the UK
mainland to Durness. Riding past some unspoilt and out of this world stunning beaches, you
will believe you are somewhere in the Caribbean. An essential stop here is the famed
Cocoa Mountain where we can get some much-needed energy before we visit a national
treasure Smoo Cave.

You will have another opportunity to take pictures of the stunning Kylesku Bridge before the
days cycling commences.

Distance: 35.27 miles Ascent: 2483ft

Overnight at Durness Youth Hostel.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 9 – Durness to John O'
Groats

By now your legs will be used to the demands of cycling,
so today should be a breeze! A big day in the saddle but
one where you should start to see the physical benefits
from the previous days.
The first part of our route today is an absolute delight,
along mostly quiet, highland roads following the northern
coast of the UK. We are heading due East to the holy grail
of the LEJOG challenge, John O' Groats!
Distance: 90.40 miles
Ascent: 5854ft
Overnight at Seaview Hotel John O'Groats
Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 10 – John O' Groats to Golspie

Today we start the journey south back to Inverness, cycling down the East coast to
the Highland Village of Golspie. You will come across the infamous Berriedale Braes
before arriving in Golspie for a well earned Fish supper at the Trawlermen chippie
should you wish. Rest up for your final and day of the NC 500. Well done.

Distance: 69.65 miles Ascent: 3665ft

Overnight at Golspie Inn.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 11 – Golspie to Inverness

Our penultimate day kicks off following the coastline and part of the Highland Whisky Trail.
You will enjoy a taste of Glenmorangie and Singleton Malt Whisky. Taking the ferry from Nigg
to Cromarty where we will ride the Black Isle, visiting the Black Isle Brewery for a world-
renowned local beer before cycling to the Glen Ord Distillery in Muir of Ord.

Around the Dornoch coastline, you might have opportunities to see some of our local aquatic
wildlife, seals, dolphins and otters.

Your final day of the trip finishes with a stunning pedal along the coastal road past Redcastle
then over the Kessock Bridge to Inverness. Some great opportunities for a final group photo to
be had.

Distance: 60.11 miles Ascent: 2,087ft

Overnight at Moray Park Guest House.
Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide. Alternate route shown below
incase the ferry is not running.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

DAY 12 – Inverness

No visit to the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness, would be complete without a trip to
see the mighty Loch Ness. We will cycle out to Dores as part of a recovery ride before
your departure where perhaps you may be lucky to spot the world-famous monster?

Distance: 15.37 miles Ascent: 595ft

Overnight at Moray Park Guest House.

Included: bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

SUPPORT

Here at 42Cycling we aim to ensure you have the best cycling experience possible. We will do
everything we can to ensure you have a stress free trip. Allowing you to focus on each day and
enjoy the incredible scenery on offer.

Accommodation selection

Special care is taken to select the most suitable accommodation available in each location so
that you can enjoy your evening after a great day riding.

Bike guide Our guides are there to provide help, assistance and support throughout your

time with us. They are all experienced cyclists and know the Highlands well so are perfectly
placed to pass on advice and guidance and observations while on the road. Many are ex-
military so bring a wealth of experience off the bike as well.
Our ride guides will have two-way radios, as well as mobiles. So that they can stay in contact
with the support vehicle or contact emergency services should the unthinkable happen? They
will also liaise with 42 Cycling base location for any on the road adjustment or organisation for
local cafes and of course your accommodation should there be a need.
Guides are also First Aid qualified, and all have mechanical experience.

Lunch stops On riding days, we will stop at quality cafe's and will set up a lunchtime stop

approximately halfway around the route to act as a marker for you. We make every effort to
choose the best cafe locations that provide healthy nutritious meals before getting back on our
bikes to complete the day's ride.

Rental bikes We can provide quality rental bikes through our partners at Ticket to Ride

should you not wish to travel with your own. These rental bikes are changed every year for the
latest model and are hired by fellow cyclists to race in the Etape Loch Ness held on the last
weekend of April each year.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

SUPPORT cont.
Mechanical support The support vehicle will have a workshop bike stand and essential

mobile mechanic toolkit. Critical spares (available at cost) such as tubes, tyres, cables, tape
carried in the unlikely event that you sustain a mechanical issue during your trip. Keeping you
on the road enjoying the scenery is our top priority. We do, however, advise you to turn up with
a fully serviced bicycle if bringing your own to mitigate these issues and maximise your time on
the road.

Navigation support Our guides will have the latest Garmin navigational units with all GPX

files provided to our guests, allowing you to monitor your progress during the day.

Nutrition We advise to bring your own sports nutrition specific to your dietary requirements

(we will happily store for you). There will be limited supply of 'on the bike nutrition' available
should you get caught short, but again you will be charged for this at cost.

Photography Our support staff, will be taking photos as well as supporting you throughout

the ride, allowing you to concentrate on the ride rather than continually stopping to record the
moment. All images will be stored on a central site once your trip has concluded, a link sent to
all riders.

Local knowledge Our guides are all trained to British Cycling Ride Leader

standards and know the area well. Our guides all live locally and have spent years
cycling in the Highlands, whether for work or pleasure.

First aid Our guides are all trained Outdoor First Aiders, a mandatory British Cycling standard

requirement. Your safety and enjoyment are our number one priority, and our guides will make
sure to point out any hazards as we come across them. Comprehensive first aid kits carried in
all vehicles.

A detailed daily bike check, full route and safety briefing will be carried out each morning before
commencing the day's ride.

GET IN TOUCH

+44 (0) 7824 097773
[email protected]
WWW.42CYCLING.COM

TOUR BONDING Your tour is underwritten and bonded by Spirit Journeys Ltd in

partnership with 42 Cycling. Spirit Journeys Ltd is a UK bonded tour operator, who operates a
client trust account.

Spirit Journeys Worldwide
Julia MacLeay
SJ Travel Centre, Unit 3 Fairways Retail Park, IV2 6AA, United Kingdom

+44 (0 1463 240467 - +44 (0 7736240425
https://spiritjourneysworldwide.com/
[email protected]

Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime

CONTACT US For further information about this trip, or to create a bespoke ride please

contact [email protected] or call us on +44 (0) 7824 097773. Alternatively visit
www.42Cycling.com to find out more.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK We would greatly appreciate your feedback throughout and on

completion of your trip to maximise your experience best and also so we can
improve our service further.

Previous review below from an NC 500 trip ran over five days in Sept 2018 where we wild
camped while cycling over 100 miles per day.

"Completing the NC500 was a once in a lifetime opportunity. 42Cycling took all the stress out of
organising such an event for myself, managing the accommodation (wild camping along the way
over five days), food and vehicle support. The scenery throughout was unbelievable, from the
beautiful mountains to golden beaches. I couldn't believe that I was riding in Scotland.
Whenever things got challenging our guide was there to provide the encouragement and
support needed to complete what I would say was the best time on a bike so far. My trip
wouldn't have been achievable without 42Cycling's support. Thank you."

Tony Hicks

We look forward to seeing you.

Am Freiceadan Dubh

GET IN TOUCH

44 824
IN O 42CYCLING.COM
WWW.42CYCLING.COM


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