Hi I am driving the North Coast 500 at east but I would like to cycle a section about 80 - 100 miles.
I was wondering what the nicest section to cycle would be? Any tips?
Nicest as in? Scenery? Avoiding traffic?
Kinlochewe to Corrieshalloch would be a contender, good views and apart from a short section of singletrack road getting to Poolewe there's room for cars to pass.
Another good section would be Kylescue to Bettyhill but it's mostly singletrack road from just after the Kinlochbervie turnoff and the NC500 drivers really can't cope with it.
Thanks I heard it gets busy. By nicest I meant overall scenery, quietest, best sections of road etc.
If you want quiet cycling, best to avoid the actual NC500 route. Plenty of nicer roads just off it.
On the north coast, I'd look at something like Melvich, Strath Halladale, Loch Naver, Ben Hope. Some lovely little roads, great scenery.
Or on the east coast, Tain, Portmahomack, across the Cromarty Ferry, then down the Black Isle.
I went up there a couple of years back, these two were utterly fabulous:
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1516296079
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1515062005
I don't think you'll get "quietest", Scotroutes should be along with better info but the NC500 has in a way become a victim of its own success and in many places the infrastructure hasn't caught up with the number of visitors. The cars do tend to move in "waves" and only get going around 9am so if you get away early you'll have a couple of hours relatively traffic free.
If you don't mind hills then the "bumpy road" between Lochinver and Kylescue is fun but the hills are 25%! To get to Lochinver don't follow the official NC500 route from Ullapool but take the minor road past Stack Pollaidh then the "mad wee road" (starts here http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=206276&Y=911208&A=Y&Z=120 ) to Lochinver - the NC500 avoids this because there's a corner that RVs can't get round.
If you don’t mind hills then the “bumpy road” between Lochinver and Kylescue is fun but the hills are 25%! To get to Lochinver don’t follow the official NC500 route from Ullapool but take the minor road past Stack Pollaidh then the “mad wee road” (starts here http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=206276&Y=911208&A=Y&Z=120 ) to Lochinver – the NC500 avoids this because there’s a corner that RVs can’t get round.
Very much this.
As already said, Kinlochewe to Corrieshalloch is probably the "best" bit, though it's always been popular.
The Bealach na Ba at Applecross is probably the most iconic, though Kylesku bridge is awesome architecture in its environment.
The bit between Tongue and Thurso has some great bits just off the route. It's all dual lane road so less hassle with oncoming traffic too. Having said that, I'd still rather cycle than drive it. You can stop absolutely anywhere that takes your fancy if there's a nice photo or picnic opportunity whereas motorists are restricted to laybys.
The A9 south of Wick (assuming you are going clockwise) gets busier the further south you get. I'd say it's all good between JoG and Brora, after that there are better options just inland to Bonar Bridge and then across the Struie to Evanton.
The "waves" thing is also worth thinking about. There are certain times of day where the road appears busy then gets quiet for a spell. Mostly, motorists are pretty good with cyclists. We regularly get foreign bike hire/bike transport customers telling us how considerate drivers are. If you are used to busier roads around cities and how drivers react then you might get a pleasant shock.
I have a devious plan to make the NC500 more pleasant for cyclists.
I'm going to buy an old Fergie tractor and pull a spreader trailer piled high with cow dung.
You'll be able to hire me to drive 20 yards behind you, and I guarantee no car driver will be going fast past you. 🙂