Day 1, Sunday 20 June 2027

Welcome to Scotland

We encourage you to arrive a day early if you can. This helps the recovery after such a long flight. We’ll book the extra accommodation and transfers for you.

Today is all about getting you and your bikes ready for this amazing adventure. Your guides will help assemble your bikes. If you have hire bikes, then we'll make sure you're comfortable before we head out for a short 40km pedal along one of the city’s beautiful canals. All we want to do is get the legs moving, making sure that you and your bike are working as they should.

Our hotel was built in 1876 as a Mansion House by Charles Fraser-MacKintosh. Lochardil House is set in its own grounds and recalls days of Victorian splendour. Situated 3km from the City Centre, it’s a leisurely 30-minute stroll along the River Ness.

Team MAC – today we will set our sights on exploring Inverness. A picturesque city, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the nearby Loch Ness. It's known for its rich history, with landmarks like Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The city offers a charming blend of traditional Scottish culture, modern amenities, and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination and perfect for the start and finish of our holiday.  

Speaking of holiday.  Let’s talk about Whisky. I’m not a fan myself but our Scottish team certainly are. Apparently, the best distilleries are Glenmorangie and Balblair. Our hotel in Brora is known for having one of the best selections in the whole country.

Tonight is our welcome dinner. We’ll introduce the team and go through the plan for the next couple of days.

Thank you for joining us. Here's to you. Welcome to Scotland.

/ Accommodation: Lochardil House, Inverness
/ Meals Included:  Welcome Dinner (and a whisky)

Day 2, Monday 21 June 2027

Nessie - Did you see it?

We’re tougher than GCN. Today’s ride is a bonus. Shall we call our version the NC600?

It’s exactly 50km to Fort Augustus, at the south-west end of Loch Ness. The village has a population of around 646. Today, they’ll be joined by 30 cyclists in pink lycra. I wonder if we’ll fit in?

Navigation is pretty easy. Keep Loch Ness on your right until you get to the end of the lake. So, 100km to start your holiday. Yes, there will be shorter options as we’ll have our support vehicles close by. 

Let’s talk about the food.... Oh, and the coffee. There’s a great coffee cart at Dores Beach. That’s our first rest stop. Lunch is likely to be at the Whitebridge Hotel. (It’s old and is like walking through a museum. Especially if you like fishing.)

Team Mac – this morning you visit the Botanic Gardens before catching up with the cyclists for our picnic lunch. We realise that everyone will have different fitness levels (like the cyclists); however, on every day we will also have a good walk planned. You’ll see some of the Loch Ness 360 today – via foot.

Also, for Team Mac.... without wanting to turn this into ‘Yet another Castle tour’ – we suggest that you check out Urquhart Castle near Drumnadrochit as it really is beautiful. Especially with the lake in the background.

This afternoon, we suggest everyone walks into town along the river. How about we meet at the Uile-bheist Brewery and Distillery. That is where the staff will be having dinner, and we would love you to join us. It’s right on the River Ness and usually has a local band playing. It also offers the finest craft beer in the whole of Scotland. Don’t feel guilty – we are on holiday.

/ Accommodation:  Lochardil House, Inverness
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is own arrangements)

PS, Bonus points to those who go for a swim today in Loch Ness

Day 3, Tuesday 22 June 2027

Brora to Garvault House

In 2025 we planned on riding hotel to hotel. Luckily, we had to change plans due to a couple of isolated, unseasonal showers. We implemented plan B which is now plan A. We found a gem.

Here’s the plan.... we drive straight to our Brora hotel. It’s about 2 hours. We’ll stop for coffee though as we found an awesome place which we have to share with you. (I can still remember my pink lamington.) Let’s drop the bags off at tonight’s hotel and jump into lycra. Your first Scottish Highlands experience awaits.

There are a couple of roads to avoid in Scotland, and the A9 is certainly one of those. (Another reason not to ride hotel to hotel.) Our ride starts in Lothbeg which is just up the road from our hotel. There’s a good chance you’ll see more bikes than cars on the beautiful, single-lane country road out to Kinbrace and back. It’s only 60km but offers 1000m of climbing. Those who want longer can simply keep on riding. You literally could do 100km if you feel like it. Totally up to you.

A few things about Kinbrace. It’s firmly on the bike-packing route so you will see dozens of cyclists along the way. Please don’t brag to these guys that you have a nice warm bed and a delicious Scottish meal waiting for you. They’ll be camping and eating noodles so they may not see the funny side.

Kinbrace has a population of 51. That’s 51 people in total. There are very few buildings, but there is Garvault House which offers a lounge, bar and a good selection of local whisky. If you want to finish your ride here, we’ll have a support vehicle in tow.

Team Mac – we have a job for you. Please can you visit Black Isle Berries on the way to Brora? More than just PYO berries. They also have a farm kitchen that bakes delicious brownies, gingerbread, and various other yummies. Oh, they also roast their own coffee. We thought that maybe after gauging yourselves, you’d possibly remember the starving cyclists and bring them a few treats. Maybe? Maybe not!! We also see Team Mac visiting the small Sutherland town of Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands, more specifically – the 13th century Parish Church that is the Dornoch Cathedral. Like on all days, the Team Mac plan is flexible. We’ll have recommendations but will work with you.    

Brora is a stunning Highland village surrounded by lochs, hills and gorgeous beaches. We talked about having 2 nights here; however, the further north we go, the more stunning it gets. This is your only 1-night stay on the entire trip.

When selecting a hotel, I often look at the food. A quote from the hotel website....  “We select fresh local produce to give you flavour-filled dishes, including delicious seafood and 28-day hung beef, supplied from the nearby town of Golspie. Highland Fine Cheeses of Tain and Clynelish Distillery malts add a Highland kick to some of our sweet and savoury dishes. All of our desserts are homemade, and we are proud to serve locally made Capaldi’s of Brora Ice Cream."

Hmmm.... maybe we should stay here 2 nights?   

/ Accommodation:  Royal Marine Hotel  
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 4, Wednesday 23 June 2027

Tongue – Stunning. This is why we’re here!!

Today’s journey has you travelling from the North Sea all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Tick tock.  

Our version of the NC500 is slightly different to most. We really want to avoid the busy campervan roads. The route from Brora to Tongue takes us inland rather than along the coast. In RH terms, it is relatively flat. 

Hotel to hotel is 100km and only 900VM. Those who want shorter, finish their ride at lunch. Making it a cool 70. Be warned though that the last 30 is beautiful and should not be missed.   

Departing Brora, we traverse undulating (less than 15%) roads amidst heather-clad moors and tranquil lochs, with the rugged coastline serving as a picturesque backdrop. You may be lucky enough to see salmon leaping up Shin Falls, a testament to the untamed beauty of Scotland's rivers and wildlife. 

Lunch is at Crask Inn. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Crask is Scotland's most isolated Inn. A well-deserved break in a cozy atmosphere. Is it too early for a beer? Probably not. 

Team Mac - visit Lairg. This charming Highland village nestled beside Loch Shin. We’ve arranged High Tea for Team Mac (because you’re posh) at the Dunrobin Castle which is also well known for its beautiful gardens and falconry.  

Our home for the next 2 nights is the gorgeous seaside village of Tongue. You’ll arrive here and have one of those moments “Yup - this is why we came to Scotland”. 

The majority of our dinners are included. That’s because towns like Tongue are small. Personally, I want to make sure you are fed. See you tonight. What a great day. 

/ Accommodation:  Tongue Hotel 
/ Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Day 5, Thursday 24 June 2027

Must do ride!!

Our first loop ride. 90km of pure Scottish Highlands charm. 1072m of climbing. We’ve got the whole day. There will be support vehicles so you can pull the pin when you’ve had enough. In saying that, the scenery on offer almost demands you ride the whole way.

The ride takes us via the remote wilderness of Altnaharra, a small hamlet in the Sutherland region. (In case you didn’t know, as I didn’t, a hamlet in Scotland is a very, very small village. One that doesn’t have a church.)

We literally ride from one loch to another. Starting with Loch Loyal and then onto Loch Naver. This ride is that beautiful, it features on a couple of virtual training programs. The views are literally eye watering.

Let’s budget on a late lunch at Bettyhill. It’s one of those places where you suddenly find yourself at a postcard-perfect beach with almost no one else around. It also has a fantastic café, and some would argue – the best coffee on the trip.

** On that note – for me, the biggest surprise in 2025 were the beaches. I had no idea how stunning Scotland’s beaches are. There are literally hundreds of beautiful beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. (Maybe without the coral.)

Team Mac – you head off to the RSPB Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve. A rolling, rugged expanse of precious peatland and mountain scenery. We’ve arranged a guided walk for you. Keep an eye open for Golden Eagles, Merlins (Hawky things) and Hen Harriers. Twitchers (bird folk) travel here from around the world to see these birds of prey. There’s also the option of driving to Dunnet Head. The most northern point of mainland Scotland. It is located in Caithness, about 11 miles (18 km) west-northwest of John o' Groats. While John o' Groats is a well-known landmark and tourist destination, Dunnet Head is actually further north. 

/ Accommodation:  Tongue Hotel  
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements) 

Day 6, Friday 25 June 2027

Our Queen stage!!

OK, epic day planned. Hotel to hotel is 104.4km. Just roughly.

This is a new ride for us. In 2025 we stayed in Ullapool and 200km was simply too long. Most of the cyclists missed this section and it’s probably the most scenic. Hence why we’ve changed things around a bit…    

Our journey is 100% on the Northwest Coast of Scotland, hugging the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You will start to see the terrain slightly change from rolling countryside to a more rugged coastline. Yes – that implies more hills and that is a fair comment. You climb 1400m.

Team Mac – this part of Scotland is magical. You have stunning lochs like Glendhu and Glencoul, while at the same time, breathtaking views of sea stacks, rocky cliffs, and expansive moorlands, with the ever-present sound of crashing waves. There’s plenty of time for you to stop and take photos. Why wouldn’t you!!

Dornoch is home to the world’s best hot chocolate and that’s a fact. You simply have to visit Cocoa Mountain Café. Oh, I’ve just noticed on their website that you can also buy takeaway chocolates. (Hmmm.... I wonder who you could do that for?) You then visit Smoo Cave. A large, combined sea and freshwater cave in Durness. Recommended to anybody visiting this beautiful and wild corner of Scotland. The approach to the cave is very impressive, with an entrance 50 feet (15 meters) high, 130 feet (40 meters) wide and 200 feet (61 meters) long. You are virtually walking towards a giant mouth. Inside the cave, there is a covered wooden pathway and bridge taking you to a magnificent cascade that falls 25 meters into an 8-meter-deep pool.

/ Accommodation:  Kylesku Hotel  
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7, Saturday 26 June 2027

King stage?

Yes, I know I say yesterday was beautiful. Today has it’s equal. Let’s face it – every day in Scotland is stunning. That’s why we are here.  

It’s a bit shorter at only 75km and 1000vm. Those who really really like hills can extend that to 95km and 1700vm. But there are some 20% warning signs involved. (as in up)  

We touch down in small villages. Generally – there’s only 1 shop. Struth.... hope they’re open. We’ll make sure that lunch is planned for today. What’s for lunch? Glad you asked.... Pies.

OK, the famous pie shop, Lochinver Larder, is located in Lochinver which is exactly 48km away from Ullapool. We ride around the Assynt Peninsula which offers breathtaking views of the Summer Isles archipelago with the iconic silhouette of Stac Pollaidh rising majestically in the distance. Here’s your choice…

• Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
• Pork, Apple and Cider
• Venison and Cranberry
• Chicken, Leek and Mushroom
• Steak and Ale

Team Mac – As luck would have it – there’s a High-Country Station Marathon on today. Luckily for you – your 42km run entry is included. Good luck….

In all seriousness – Stephen is the master of finding great walks. Last time Team Mac visited a high remote cliff near Creag a’ Braighe. (he’ll adjust the plan according to fitness)   

Make sure you google Ullapool. Wow, wow, wow. It’s our home for the next couple of nights. You deserve it. Tomorrow, you can relax and unwind amidst the lively atmosphere of this bustling harbour town.

/ Accommodation:   The Royal Hotel, Ullapool  
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is own arrangements)

Day 8, Sunday 27 June 2027

Rest day...

It’s a day to recharge. Do some washing. Answer those emails. Drink coffee. Speaking of which, there’s actually a Kiwi café here in Ullapool that’s well worth a visit. We spent so much time here that they had to ask us to leave. (In a nice way, of course.)

Ullapool is beautiful but it also can show the other side of tourism when the large cruise ships are in. You’ll see large groups of people following a person out front with a flag. I can assure you that we will never make you follow a flag. It’s also a good reminder of how much freedom a bicycle can offer. Let’s quote JFK...

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike." 

Speaking of which, there will be a short ride on offer. 20km out to a coffee and 20km back. (It’s 100% along the waterfront so you can turn around when you’ve had enough.) You really should be resting your legs though as the next couple of days are pretty full on.

There is an option to book you on the Summer Isle cruise which departs at 10.30am and lasts just over 2 hours. (Approx 50 pounds.) This remote coastline is dotted with remnants of Scottish ancestors and the quite unique communities still there today. The islands, whilst uninhabited, are home to abundant marine life and birds, and made of fascinating geological features. There’s a great chance you’ll see eagles, dolphins and whales as you cruise this unique archipelago of islands at the mouth of Loch Broom.

Tonight is a free night. Although could I suggest that we catch up for happy hour late this afternoon? It would be great to talk through the plan for tomorrow.

/ Accommodation:  The Royal Hotel, Ullapool     
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements) 

PS, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but you need to book. In saying that, a strong recommendation is the Seafood Shack. You need to go early though as it closes at 6pm and doesn’t take reservations. Enjoy.  

PPS, when I say washing... the 1 laundromat in town is closed on a Sunday so make sure you are organised and drop it off on the Saturday when we first arrive.

Day 9, Monday 28 June 2027

How many Lochs today? 

We are starting to get towards the end of our trip. Let’s make the most of today which is relatively short. Only 59miles. That sounds quite a bit better than 100km. (99km to be precise.) 

To answer the question... Ahhh... Loch Broom, Little Loch Broom, Loch na Sealga, Fionn Loch, Loch Maree, Loch Ewe and we finish at Gairloch. That is a lot of Lochs. 

I almost forgot Corrieshalloch. This is where Team Mac will spend time. This mile-long canyon, through which the River Droma rushes, takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘ugly hollow’. But that’s as far from the truth as can be. 

Corrieshalloch is one of the most spectacular gorges in Britain and provides striking evidence of how glacial meltwater can create deep gorges. Team Mac set out on a short steep walk to a Victorian suspension bridge, where you can gaze down over a series of crashing waterfalls. It’s a National Nature Reserve and cyclists are also welcome to stop here – even if it’s only for a coffee. It’s your last caffeine chance for the whole day. 

Our home for tonight is Gairloch. Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch, amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross, Gairloch offers a wealth of spectacular scenery and activities. There are several good sandy beaches in the area, such as the brilliantly named Big Sand, and at Redpoint, which offers lovely views to Raasay, Skye and the Western Isles, an unforgettable sunset across the Minch. 

The whole Scottish itinerary worked backwards from when we could get availability at the Myrtle Bank Hotel. We had to book almost 2 years in advance. The Myrtle offers quality accommodation in a stunning location right on the shores of Gairloch. 

By the way – this area is one of the top five recommended destinations to visit in the whole of the UK. We would quite like to arrive early to mid-afternoon, so you have plenty of time to go for a walk. 

/ Accommodation:  Myrtle Bank Hotel, Gairloch     
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Day 10, Tuesday 29 June 2027

GCN “The NC500 needs to be on every cyclist’s Wishlist”

As mentioned earlier in the itinerary, this trip was born back in 2019. GCN is solely responsible. For me, it was love at first sight. In particular - Bealach na Bà.  

The first laugh I got was from Wikipedia. Bealach na Bà (pronounced [bjaLəx na baː]). 

Great, thanks for clearing that up. 

Year after year it’s voted the best climb in the UK. Just imagine how fit you’ll be by this stage of the trip. You’ll fly up this hill. 9.2km at an average of almost 7% doesn’t sound that scary. 

There will be a few options. The whippets can ride to and from our hotel if they wish. Including the climb, it means 130km and 2000VM. A big number.

Normal people can hang out with me. We’ll start in Shieldaig and finish in Plockton. 100km and 1800VM so still very respectable. Yes – there will be shorter options.  

Team Mac – it’s a bit of a drive but we thought it would be a good opportunity for you to visit Armadale Castle (and its beautiful gardens) on the Isle of Skye. Classified as a 5-star attraction. It will be worth the drive. A full day by the time you add in a nice lunch and a walk. We’ll catch up with you later. (Some cyclists may like to join you today)      

Plockton is a picturesque village on the west coast of Scotland, known for its sheltered bay, palm trees, and stunning Highland scenery. Overlooking Loch Carron, it has a mild microclimate influenced by the Gulf Stream, which allows unusual plants to thrive. The village is famous for its colourful cottages along the waterfront, its small fishing harbour, and views of the surrounding mountains. Plockton is also a popular starting point for exploring nearby islands and is well known as a filming location for television and films, giving it a quiet charm that attracts visitors from around the world.

/ Accommodation:  Plockton Inn   
/ Meals Included:    Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements) 

Day 11, Wednesday 30 June 2027

Inverness

The plan is a short coffee ride prior to heading back to Inverness. It seems there are 2 main choices. The Croft Café or the Bealach Café and Gallery. Donuts are mentioned at the Croft so that may swing it their way.

It’s only a 2-hour drive back to Inverness so let’s leave just after lunch. One thing I know about Scotland – hotels aren’t flexible when checking in early. There really is no need arriving prior to 3pm.    

Late this afternoon, we’ll help you pack up your bikes. We’ll also go through the final plans for tomorrow’s airport and train station transfers.

Tonight? What are we doing tonight?  

Well, you can’t come to Inverness without visiting the Uile-bheist (Scottish Gaelic for ‘monster’ pronounced Ewl-uh-Vesht) brewery, distillery and restaurant. At 5pm we’ve organised a private tour and tasting. Followed by dinner which will be Braised Highland Beef. We think this is the perfect way of finishing our tour. Let’s raise a glass of Whisky. A few stories will be told.  

Cheers to you. New friends, old friends, new roads. Thank you GCN. 

Day 12, Thursday 1 July 2027

Home Time or Edinburgh?

After breakfast, we all head in different directions. We’ll operate various airport and train station shuttles depending upon your departure time. 

We expect quite a few of you to join us in the van to Edinburgh for the start of the 2027 Tour de France. Stage 1 is tomorrow. We’ve booked 3 nights in a central city hotel. We also have access to a V.I.P grandstand if you want to spend a few more $$.

Whatever you choose.... Thank you for travelling with Ride Holidays. Scotland is one of the best places in the world to ride a bicycle and we are looking forward to showing you. 

Karl and the RH team           

/ Meals Included:  Breakfast