North Coast 500 Cycle: The Ultimate Scottish Cycling Adventure
Join us on a breathtaking journey around Scotland’s North Coast 500, fast becoming the UK's top cycling destination.
Date and time
Location
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle Inverness IV2 3EG United KingdomAgenda
July 26 - Day 0 - Meet in Inverness for Orientation
July 27 - Day 1 - Inverness to Brora (88 miles)
July 28 - Day 2 - Brora to John O'Groats (64 miles)
July 29 - Day 3 - John O'Groats to Tongue (65 miles)
July 30 - Day 4 - Tongue to Scourie (54 miles)
July 31 - Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool (70 miles)
August 1 - Day 6 - Ullapool to Gairloch (59 miles)
August 2 - Day 7 - Gairloch to Lochcarron (83 miles)
August 3 - Day 8 - Lochcarron to Inverness (65 miles)
About this event
- 7 days 9 hours
Our NC500 ride spans 8 days, covering 550 miles of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes. It's a test of endurance, a ride for a purpose, and a unique opportunity to experience the majestic Scottish Highlands like never before.
NC500 Cycle - Details at a Glance
- Date and Location: Kicking off on July 27th in Inverness, this route encircles the northernmost part of the Scottish Highlands, concluding back in Inverness on August 3rd.
- Route Highlights: Journey through Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland, and Wester Ross, with views of white sand beaches, hilltop vistas, and ancient castles.
- North Coast 500 Distance: 550 miles, with an elevation change of 36,000 feet, presenting the ultimate cycling challenge.
- Duration: 8 inspiring days of cycling with a chance to meet MS groups en route and immerse in local communities.
- Difficulty Level: We pride ourselves in being open to ALL abilities! There is no set speed, no set groups and no one telling you when you can or can’t stop. Enjoy a friendly team environment and ride the journey that best suits you.
About the North Coast 500 Cycle
Experience the NC500 with Bike the UK for MS, where you'll not only tackle challenging riding days safely, but also soak in the unparalleled beauty of Northern Scotland. From planned rest stops in picturesque locations to overnight stays in welcoming accommodations, our supported bike tour ensures a memorable and meaningful adventure.
Additional Details about NC500 with Bike the UK for MS
- Cost: A registration donation of just £25 is the only initial cost for you! Most costs are covered such as vehicle support, route leaders, team cycling jersey and overnight accommodation, leaving you to only cover transport to and from the ride and food during the trip.
- Fundraising: A commitment to raise £1.75 per mile, totalling £965, helps us fund vital MS support services across the UK and fund research to end MS.
- Accommodation: Embrace the adventure with overnights in community centers, sports clubs and camping, with options for alternative accommodations if preferred.
- Support: Our supported bike tour embraces the essence of adventure cycling, with Route Leaders and mechanic support ensuring you can focus solely on the ride. Rest stops will be provided throughout each day leaving you to only think about food as you go.
- Preparation: Participants receive training guides, fundraising support, regular check ins and one to one support ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
Join the Adventure: Register Today
Don't miss this chance to cycle the North Coast 500 with Bike the UK for MS in 2024. Secure your spot and be part of a community committed to making a difference.
The MS Cause
Every pedal stroke brings us closer to a world free from MS. Through your participation and fundraising, you're directly supporting essential services to those living with MS and funding groundbreaking MS research.
En route, you will meet many of the MS groups that your fundraising will support, providing a real sense of purpose to your ride!
Get in Touch
For more details and to register, visit our North Coast 500 Cycle page and follow our journey on Instagram. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and a powerful way to contribute to a great cause.
Frequently asked questions
We have always prided ourselves in being a charity bike ride suitable to all cycling abilities! There is no set riding speed, no set groups to ride in or cutoff times to make. Enjoy the ride at your speed!
With an achievable £1.75 per mile, £965 total fundraising target, there’s no more cost effective way to travel. Funds raised will go towards supporting those living with MS across the UK, as well as raising awareness for multiple sclerosis and funding research to find a cure.
With an initial registration donations of just £25, the majority of trip related items are covered such as vehicle support, route leaders, a team cycling jersey, overnight accommodation and much more. This leaves you only having to worry about travel costs to and from the trip and food.
We aim for a team size of approximately 20 riders. This creates a friendly, non competitive team environment for all to enjoying riding around the Scottish Highlands.
To allow us to donate as much of your hard earned fundraising as possible, our accommodations are minimalist. The teams often stay at generous hosts on route. This includes a mix of camping, staying at churches, town halls and community centres. You have the option to book alternative accommodation.
Your gear will be carried by our support vehicles. Your volunteer route leaders will be there to help you along the way. A mechanic will help you keep your bike rolling with minor repairs. Water stops will be set up every 20-30 miles depending on the terrain. Nightly accommodations will be booked.
Preparing the right gear is crucial for your NC500 adventure. You’ll need your own camping essentials, including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. The choice of bringing cooking gear depends on your preference for eating out or preparing meals in camp.
Yes, eBikes are welcome on the North Coast 500 route. We understand that eBikes can make the challenge more accessible and enjoyable for riders.