Cycling the North Coast 500, September 2025

Here’s a my report from cycling the North Coast 500 this September. Easy enough logistics for this tour, flew return Warsaw-Amsterdam-Inverness. KLM did a good job transporting my bike both ways, cost about 50 eur for each leg. Nice to start and finish at the same location, stayed in a hostel in Inverness first night and asked them to keep my box for when I return.
Bike. Another trip with my Marin Four Corners, which I’ve equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Mondials now. Very very happy with what I brought. This was my 4th tour and definitely the lightest so far. I used every single item (except for those that you hope you won’t need), and if I had brought anything extra, these would’ve been luxury to me (my aeropress is not a luxury, its a necessity, ha). With my new ultralight sleeping system – Durston X Dome tent, Turbat sleeping bag and Big Agnes mat, I managed to squeeze all of this (and a Nemo pillow!) into one dry bag that’s on the handlebars. First trip where I managed not to take back panniers, in the back I just got a 36l backpack.
I took 2 weeks to complete the loop. This is very generous, you can easily have a few rest days. A week would also be somewhat ok if you are willing to cover more distance. Anything shorter I’d consider a rush. I average about 70 km a day.
Road. Basically 100% paved and good quality. You can use any tyres really. Roads are often narrow with passing places for cars, drivers are usually considerate. Before the trip I was told that the NC500 can get crowded – I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case, maybe around Inverness there is some traffic, but in general roads are pretty empty. I did skip John O’Groats and cut to Helmsdale though, as I was told that this bit is the worst in terms of traffic. I went clockwise for better winds, which mostly turned out to be good advice. I did have 2 days with biggest headwinds of my life when I just wanted to cry.
Camping. I guess I did 50/50 when it comes to camping/booking places. I followed a simple rule – if it’s a nice evening, I camp. If it’s pouring down, I don’t – just get a guesthouse or a hostel. The trip is supposed to be enjoyable after all. Was pretty lucky with accommodation I think, whenever I needed one, there was always something available. Really liked the Scotland Youth Hostels (and their prices, haha, about 30 pounds a night, compared to at least 100 for a guesthouse/hotel).
Ok, the road! The views! What can I say, Scotland is epic!!! Wonderful ride! Just prepare for the absolutely mixed weather and you’ll have a blast. There is definitely quite a bit of climbing, but totally manageable (biggest climbing day was 1500 m total) and definitely worth it! I loved the huge, open, desolate spaces. The lochs are stunning. This will be one of my favourites for the years to come, for sure.
What else…a bit of planning required for food, but nothing too crazy. Some nice cafes and restaurants here and there, I’ll link some below. I did carry a water filter but only used it once or twice. Oh yeah. Midges. They’re there (not always though). They suck, I hate them. Get a midge net, easily found in Inverness.
I followed the route from komoot with some modifications by the end as I was staying twice with warmshower hosts and had to detour. Very little navigation required, I think you could just follow the signs if you wanted to.

Route: https://www.komoot.com/collection/1010639/north-coast-500-cycle-route-scottish-bikepacking-adventure
Hostels: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/
Coffee/snacks:
Cafe of the Raven (grab a donut here): https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBEGFTKhE3nUYktM6?g_st=ipc
Lochinver Larder (awesome sweet and savoury pies): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wrwj15xF1WKjVmq38?g_st=ipc
Norse Bakehouse (pizza and focaccia): https://maps.app.goo.gl/DHsd8RRWgn1rByuM6?g_st=ipc
The Pier (honestly everything looked great): https://maps.app.goo.gl/oC3bgumno6k7GNtL9?g_st=ipc