About this trip.
A reworked NC500
The classic North Coast 500 loop has a problem: stretches of fast, narrow A-road shared with motorhomes and HGVs that aren't much fun on a bike. This route is the edited version. It keeps the Bealach na Ba, the white sand at Arisaig, the Torridon valley and the north coast at Durness, but swaps the dicey sections for quieter alternatives — including a detour through Ardnamurchan, which the original loop misses entirely.
The group rolls out from Inverness Castle, heads south-west along the Great Glen to Fort William with Loch Ness off the right shoulder, and finishes back in Inverness eight nights later. The 2027 departure runs 15–23 May, led by Lucy Burnett.
The route across eight days
Day two cuts through the Ardnamurchan peninsula and past the beaches at Arisaig to Mallaig. A morning ferry on day three crosses to Skye; from the southern end of the island you ride to the Skye Bridge and on to Lochcarron, where the route picks up the NC500 proper. Day four is the hardest: the Bealach na Ba over to Applecross, then north to Shieldaig and through Torridon to a night in Gairloch.
Day five eases off into Ullapool — the rest is relative — before another challenging day to Lochinver, around the Stoer peninsula and on to Kinlochbervie. Day seven reaches the north coast at Durness and tracks east along what is, on a clear day, one of the most striking stretches of coastline in Britain. The final day runs south through Lairg and back to Inverness.
Wildlife sightings are part of the texture rather than the point. Seals, deer, golden eagles and hen harriers are common; otters, dolphins and sea eagles turn up if you're paying attention. Gairloch and Ullapool both land seafood worth eating.
Bookings and what's included
The price is £1,885 per person on a twin-share basis, with a £645 single supplement. Accommodation is a mix of comfortable hotels and good-quality B&Bs; the team tries to keep the group under one roof but can't always manage it.
Breakfast is included. The support van carries packed lunches sourced locally — sandwiches, pasties, bakery bits, with cafe stops if the weather turns. Dinners are paid separately and tend to be eaten communally. Energy gels and bars are kept in the van for emergencies, but riders are expected to bring their own preferred sports nutrition; water refills and fruit are provided through the day.
This is a trip for cyclists who can climb. The Bealach na Ba is the headline, but the headlands stack up over the week and there is no shortcut around them. In return, on a good week, you get rugged coastline, turquoise water at Arisaig and the kind of light that makes the Highlands worth the legs.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
