cycle loops on NC500
Discussion
Morning,
With the impending quarantine intro for France my boys trip to Annecy at the end of the month is looking unlikely. We're now thinking of heading to Scotland, specifically bits of the NC500, as an alternative. I can't find anything other than details of the sections of NC500 and am really looking for some suggested loops.
Has anyone done this or could point me in the right direction of some resources? We'd have 2 days cycling and would ideally just have 1 base. We're competent cyclists and were prepared for Annecy so the elevation should be managable.
Thanks a lot
Adam
With the impending quarantine intro for France my boys trip to Annecy at the end of the month is looking unlikely. We're now thinking of heading to Scotland, specifically bits of the NC500, as an alternative. I can't find anything other than details of the sections of NC500 and am really looking for some suggested loops.
Has anyone done this or could point me in the right direction of some resources? We'd have 2 days cycling and would ideally just have 1 base. We're competent cyclists and were prepared for Annecy so the elevation should be managable.
Thanks a lot
Adam
The NC500 does not have the infrastructure and facilities for the number of people going there just now - there's plenty of news stories and threads in the Travel section here about it. I would strongly advise against going and adding to this and risking the ire of grumpy locals.
That being said, it is an amazing area of the country, especially for cycling, and as soon as you step off the actual NC500 route it gets much quieter. Therefore it might be a clever idea to consider somewhere like Lairg as a base. Then you're in the middle so can plan loop rides east, west and north depending on where you'd like to see and the weather on the day. In each direction you could 'touch' the NC500 but without adding to their burden.
That being said, it is an amazing area of the country, especially for cycling, and as soon as you step off the actual NC500 route it gets much quieter. Therefore it might be a clever idea to consider somewhere like Lairg as a base. Then you're in the middle so can plan loop rides east, west and north depending on where you'd like to see and the weather on the day. In each direction you could 'touch' the NC500 but without adding to their burden.
eein said:
The NC500 does not have the infrastructure and facilities for the number of people going there just now - there's plenty of news stories and threads in the Travel section here about it. I would strongly advise against going and adding to this and risking the ire of grumpy locals.
That being said, it is an amazing area of the country, especially for cycling, and as soon as you step off the actual NC500 route it gets much quieter. Therefore it might be a clever idea to consider somewhere like Lairg as a base. Then you're in the middle so can plan loop rides east, west and north depending on where you'd like to see and the weather on the day. In each direction you could 'touch' the NC500 but without adding to their burden.
That's actually more the sort of thing I'd want to do so will check out Lairg. good suggestion - thanksThat being said, it is an amazing area of the country, especially for cycling, and as soon as you step off the actual NC500 route it gets much quieter. Therefore it might be a clever idea to consider somewhere like Lairg as a base. Then you're in the middle so can plan loop rides east, west and north depending on where you'd like to see and the weather on the day. In each direction you could 'touch' the NC500 but without adding to their burden.
Harleyboy said:
That's actually more the sort of thing I'd want to do so will check out Lairg. good suggestion - thanks
.. or even much further south round Loch Lomond and the Trossachs? A bit like Annecy if cooler. Should also be lots of accomodation avialable with Scottish schools back and no couch tours.Harleyboy said:
eein said:
The NC500 does not have the infrastructure and facilities for the number of people going there just now - there's plenty of news stories and threads in the Travel section here about it. I would strongly advise against going and adding to this and risking the ire of grumpy locals.
That being said, it is an amazing area of the country, especially for cycling, and as soon as you step off the actual NC500 route it gets much quieter. Therefore it might be a clever idea to consider somewhere like Lairg as a base. Then you're in the middle so can plan loop rides east, west and north depending on where you'd like to see and the weather on the day. In each direction you could 'touch' the NC500 but without adding to their burden.
That's actually more the sort of thing I'd want to do so will check out Lairg. good suggestion - thanksThat being said, it is an amazing area of the country, especially for cycling, and as soon as you step off the actual NC500 route it gets much quieter. Therefore it might be a clever idea to consider somewhere like Lairg as a base. Then you're in the middle so can plan loop rides east, west and north depending on where you'd like to see and the weather on the day. In each direction you could 'touch' the NC500 but without adding to their burden.
Dont know if they host camping, but my parents found it to be a good location for weather aligned day trips to any coast (not cycling though).
Harleyboy said:
Thanks ofr the comments. Also now considering Oban as a base. Cycling round Mull could be fun
Mull is fun, lots of hills though! Perhaps the end of the month will be ok but they're having lots of issues with visitors at the moment, the sort who think wild camping means emptying your motorhome's toilet at the side of the road. Have you considered SW Scotland? Much quieter there and lots of cycle routes.
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