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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Planning to do this first half of next year staying in B&Bs. I've had people say I shouldn't do it alone especially on some of the more challenging roads. I'm used to riding alone and have toured other parts of the UK alone without any issues. Has anyone here undertaken it on a bike and what advice do you have? |
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100% do it. It is amazing on a bike. Yes be careful on single track roads and watch out for uneven camber/pot holes etc but the majority of the roads are in good condition and just stunning. I would recommend doing it anticlockwise starting from Inverness. The landscape just gets more and more dramatic as you go west. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I don’t see a reason why not to do it alone.
It’s a great road with lots of views and things to see. I quite enjoy riding on my own. It gives you freedom of making your own choices and places to stop.
There are some spectaculars roads.
As said above: do it anti-clockwise.
I’d pay a visit to smoo cave, Sango sands (I think cocoa mountain chocolate shop is close by) Achmelvich beach is nice.
Dunnet head. Dancasby stacks.
Definitely would go to Applecross on way down and have nice meal at Applecross inn.
There is a lot of nice places to see. Make your own plan or just explore as you go and speak to locals about hidden gems. |
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I live on the east side of the NC500 and its no problem at all just take your time and enjoy it xx plenty of stops and pics x and if you want some company and I'm about would be cool to join in x
"Thank you both for responding. Will definitely give it a go x"
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"Planning to do this first half of next year staying in B&Bs. I've had people say I shouldn't do it alone especially on some of the more challenging roads. I'm used to riding alone and have toured other parts of the UK alone without any issues. Has anyone here undertaken it on a bike and what advice do you have? "
Sounds like you know what you want to do do go out and do it, take care and enjoy |
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I've been up that way many times.
I'd recommend fitting in some of the interior roads.
A838 Laxford Bridge to Lairg, then
A839 to Ledmore, or I opposite direction.
On your way up, avoid the A9. Plenty better roads for bikes.
Go safe!
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I’d suggest doing it anti clockwise from Inverness but add in a trip over to the isles while your there. Pop over to Orkney for a day if you can. Yes take your time etc but enjoy yourself. "
Thanks for the reply. Definitely decided on anti clockwise. This may be a 'find my feet trip' and go back to explore areas in greater depth over the next couple of years. I hadn't thought about the islands so that may be another visit... |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I've been up that way many times.
I'd recommend fitting in some of the interior roads.
A838 Laxford Bridge to Lairg, then
A839 to Ledmore, or I opposite direction.
On your way up, avoid the A9. Plenty better roads for bikes.
Go safe!
"
Thank you and I'll have a look at the map over the weekend x |
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"I hadn't thought about the islands so that may be another visit... "
You can take a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. You can buy an island hopper ticket, and ride down to Barra, then mainland ferry to Oban. Some of the islands are joined by causeway, so can ride from one to the other.
Lots of route options. One for a separate thread perhaps.
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I hadn't thought about the islands so that may be another visit...
You can take a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. You can buy an island hopper ticket, and ride down to Barra, then mainland ferry to Oban. Some of the islands are joined by causeway, so can ride from one to the other.
Lots of route options. One for a separate thread perhaps.
"
Separate thread and trip! x |
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"Planning to do this first half of next year staying in B&Bs. I've had people say I shouldn't do it alone especially on some of the more challenging roads. I'm used to riding alone and have toured other parts of the UK alone without any issues. Has anyone here undertaken it on a bike and what advice do you have? "
Haven’t done the nc500 on my own have been up there twice now, but did do the wild Atlantic way in Ireland on my own this year, I do average easily 150-300 miles a day round the west coast of Scotland on my own regularly when no one else comes out to play if you look online for RTW Roxy you’ll be very impressed with a young Scottish/polish female who’s done more than her share of travelling the world solo and she’s inspiring me all the time not only with her bike adventures but her mountain hiking now too !! Nothing wrong with being an independent female happy to go out on your own x |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thanks, I'll take a look. I'm trying to average about 100-150 miles a day. I won't be getting off the bike to hike but want to be able to take in the scenery with frequent stops x |
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"Thanks, I'll take a look. I'm trying to average about 100-150 miles a day. I won't be getting off the bike to hike but want to be able to take in the scenery with frequent stops x"
Let us know when you’re coming up and there’s a few of us can come meet you for a days ride |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Thanks, I'll take a look. I'm trying to average about 100-150 miles a day. I won't be getting off the bike to hike but want to be able to take in the scenery with frequent stops x
Let us know when you’re coming up and there’s a few of us can come meet you for a days ride "
That would be great. I'll let you know x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I a r don't alot of trips around scotland, done while coast of Scotland too.. Tips..
Don't do too many miles in a day, stop lots and enjoy the ride. Watch fuel too.. Stay safe and enjoy yourself x |
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By *ebellCouple
over a year ago
NW Highlands |
Definitely go for it! It’s probably better doing it on a bike because it does get very busy and trying to pass others in a car is a nightmare at least on a bike you can get passed easily. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I had a great experience this April BH with four days I managed to travel up the east coast, then across the top and back down the west including the NC500, without realising. I did it on possibly the most comfortable bike but not the most practical, was a Harley 1836cc managed to stay in a nice B&B in Tongue. My advice is to up north of Inverness to fill up where you can because there is not so many options on filling up. Loved the trip and am available if you have any questions |
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By *lex46TV/TS
over a year ago
Near Wells |
Definitely do it on your own, you know what you're capable of.
Most of my riding is done on my own, even trips around Europe. If you look, there are stories of women riding around the world on their own. The NC500 would be wonderful. |
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I've done parts of it. The most dangerous thing is the midges (take repellant) although having said that I did it in great weather. Something like the Applecross Pass in pouring rain or high winds would be hairy obviously.
If you can, go up to Inverness via the Cairngorms National Park (starting around Blairgowrie) then it'll be an added bonus. In good weather it's spectacular. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thanks for all the recent posts and encouragement. Will definitely be doing this trip next May/June time on my own and can't wait. It may not end up being the true NC500 as I'd like to go to Skye and a couple of other places while up there x |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Remember there is plenty other roads in Scotland that are beautiful and much less busy
"
Think I'm going to be doing several more trips in the future. Certainly one out to the islands and others from more central bases to explore areas more in depth x |
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"Planning to do this first half of next year staying in B&Bs. I've had people say I shouldn't do it alone especially on some of the more challenging roads. I'm used to riding alone and have toured other parts of the UK alone without any issues. Has anyone here undertaken it on a bike and what advice do you have? "
100% do it and you will be fine on your own .. you will find you will meet friendly folk on the whole route .. take a good puncture kit and a battery compressor though as I got caught out with punctures on it .. take good rain gear too as it’s Scotland you never know when it’s gonna be wet .. I’ve done it 5 times so pm for any info or advice |
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"Remember there is plenty other roads in Scotland that are beautiful and much less busy
Think I'm going to be doing several more trips in the future. Certainly one out to the islands and others from more central bases to explore areas more in depth x"
A good full day ride is the ardnamurchan peninsula that’s gorgeous too .. I’m looking at Europe this year I fancy the Pyrenees  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Remember there is plenty other roads in Scotland that are beautiful and much less busy
Think I'm going to be doing several more trips in the future. Certainly one out to the islands and others from more central bases to explore areas more in depth x
A good full day ride is the ardnamurchan peninsula that’s gorgeous too .. I’m looking at Europe this year I fancy the Pyrenees "
Think that will go on the list for another visit. I like the idea of Europe but I've never driven on the other side of the road let along ridden x |
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By *lyreelMan
over a year ago
King's lynn |
"Remember there is plenty other roads in Scotland that are beautiful and much less busy
Think I'm going to be doing several more trips in the future. Certainly one out to the islands and others from more central bases to explore areas more in depth x
A good full day ride is the ardnamurchan peninsula that’s gorgeous too .. I’m looking at Europe this year I fancy the Pyrenees "
Takes you to the most westerly point of mainland Britain and oh boy what a road!! Donit regularly for fun, have a coffee at the lighthouse, stroke the collie dog and come back via Strontian and the ferry.
Awesome journey and not for the faint hearted if doing it at speed!! Lol. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Have a look at the Independent hostels for accommodation. Brilliant when we were there. Also, I'd consider a trip across to Skye, when you're on the east coast it's not a long trip and can be well worth it |
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