BIKEPACKING THE NORTH COAST 500, SCOTLAND

Video from bikepacking the North Coast 500 in Scotland last week. Had a great time touring around the Scottish highlands, tough conditions but worth it! We took very light bike packing gear with us mainly just the kit we were wearing and T shirt, shorts and flip flops for the night + camera gear.
Komoot for the ride: www.komoot.com...
Strava for the rides are here: / strava
Instagram pictures: / gruffuddpughjones
www.komoot.com...
Music from artlist.io

[@cathschofield674]

I’ve come a bit late to this but it is by far the best video I’ve seen of this route. Beautifully put together and I love your commentary. 👏👏👏

[@JRLNeal]

Very watchable video fellas. Thanks. I know how much time it takes to not only film on the bike but also the editing, voiceovers and music. It was all very professional. well done.

[@FoobsTon]

Well done lads and thanks for taking the trouble to document your adventure.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks!

[@jenniferbailey44]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Sounds quite scary cycling in those winds. Well done! 👍🚴‍♂️

[@scottlaughlin2251]

Great. Thanks for letting me tag along.

[@VeloVegan]

Cheers scott

[@callumd3527]

That was epic - after taking some time off the bike after being knocked off by a car, this has truly reminded me why I love cycling so much and inspired me to begin planning for another tour of Scotland next summer. I completed a similar route this summer and it brought it all back. That was an absolute pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@urby1720]

Another great video. Scotland looks beautiful. Thank you for the adventure.

[@VeloVegan]

Urby 1 thanks! Yeah it’s stunning, it’s like wales on steroids, more mountains, bigger mountains and less people !

[@robertnuttall3272]

Good job, nice edit. Its going to be amazing to look back on this when your in your 70's

[@wanderingbox7971]

or even when you reach 120...being plant based ✌️😁🚴

[@TheVCAdventures]

The BEAT and edit on this was KILLER bro!

[@davecarter1047]

Yo vegan cyclist, it's dave I subscribe to ya bro! Love your work

[@eyedoclondon]

Loved this video. I know that area well. So good you had a lovely time. Wish I was fit enough to cope with that trip myself!

[@speckofdust272]

Great video and great cycle trip very inspiring well done 👍 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@VeloVegan]

Speck Of dust thank you!

[@paulminister8603]

Great work fellas, I'm up there in May 2021 over 7 days so not quite at your killer pace & hopeing for better conditions than you had. Its videos like these that inspire me to take on this tough challenge in my twilight cycling years. Thanks for documenting it & respect for your ride.

[@kevinjager8007]

Guys thank you so much, I really enjoyed that. The filming of excellent and you didn't use too much cheesy library music😁. Although I'm a mtb rider at heart I still like watching Epic Adventures like this. Well done!

[@czar_anon]

I love the vibe of this 🙌🏻 the storytelling, music and the views awesome!

[@VeloVegan]

Czarina Jean Añonuevo thank you!!

[@robinfjaer]

Thanks to the algorythm that brought me here. But much more, thank you for this killer edit! One of the best cycling films I've seen in the last months. Looking for ways to get to scotland right now!

[@Svdude650]

Nice one. Well done on the whole trip and also the bikepacking KOM 😜👍🏻

[@denverspin]

Glorious Scotland! Epic ride lads! Inspiring to many who watch. Thank you

[@VeloVegan]

Philip Donelan cheers Philip

[@jackwhorton6826]

Really enjoyed that. Brought back memories of my own solo trip on those roads in 2016. The wind is so brutal, especially on an A to B route where you know you won't get any respite all day.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks jack, the wind can be so cruel up there! give me hills over headwind any day of the week haha

[@briangibson142]

Awesome adventure, you made it look easy

[@joulzee001]

Great achievement. I’m doing this next year. Looks amazing

[@normanbradley2536]

My mom used to tell me a little about some of her cycling trips thru the highlands, in the 1930s. Thanks for the video.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks norman!

[@johnnypeperone4093]

thanks for this guys ....it was very nice ! keep up the good work

[@markboden7208]

Great effort fellas, like the video, well put together. So you both did it in June? Bike-packing that route is probably the sensible option. I attempted it in late September last year, in bike-touring mode, camping, so the bike was really heavy. Unfortunately, I picked up an injury, the weather was extremely challenging, bit like your day 3/4, and probably how I got injured. The Scottish wind can be so brutal. I got to Ullapool, then admitted defeat and limped back to Inverness. Late September everything was shut, so like you experienced difficulty in getting food in the day, was not easy to find. You've inspired me to get my ass back up there and get it done, bike-packing mode next time and plan some accommodation. Thanks for the video. Grand stuff. What's next?

[@VeloVegan]

hey Mark thanks for the comment! yea we did it in june! id deff recommend bikepacking vs touring, kind of fits nicely with the distances between towns and the milage is a lot easier not carrying a lot of kit over all the hills!

[@JAYZWORKSHOP]

Great video really enjoyed.

[@pconhispc2759]

Great use of music and editing. Lovely little film.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks!

[@alanhaddy7499]

Great video and appreciate the huge amount of work to create

[@VeloVegan]

Alan Haddy thanks Alan!

[@remifolz4364]

congrats lads! I enjoyed your trip, I know it's hard to film and ride! Final footage is definitely good to watch, choices of the music are fitting pretty well too! Good job!

[@C.Medina]

Glad to know things are good with you mate. Keep riding!

[@VeloVegan]

hiddenchildren thanks mate 🙏

[@gauloisrefractaireenexilvo4366]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of vlogart. This is nicely filmed, there is a constant melody between the travelling pace and the surrounding landscape. Bikepacking teaches us efficiency, minimalistic lifestyle and patience. No matter what you have to reach your destination. It would be great if you could share a bit more about your gear and equipment. It's always interesting to hear about this or that specific bikepack set-up, capacity or straps.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks! yeahh i had filmed a video before hand with my kit but i didnt get around to editing it before i left, especially since i changed my mind about some of the items and a few of them were pretty obsolete. I'll make a quick one on it tomorrow. Agree with your comments, and nothing beats that point to point ride feeling, where the goal of the day is just to get there!

[@rogerpennington3019]

What a great video, Hope to do this next year

[@alannorman1773]

It is a gorgeous part of the country isn't it? Really enjoyed the video, thanks guys

[@monty2078]

You guys are tough. Great video and a hard ride in unpleasant weather, but, glad to see where my ancestors came from.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks monty! we're the softies though, saw plenty of tough guys out there with all their camping equipment where as we were cosy inside a hostel/airbnb every night :D

[@mua6887]

I'm planning on doing this next may. Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@VeloVegan]

Thanks mark!! That’s good to hear 🙌

[@palmer3977]

Absolutely brutal in places, fantastic vlog Gruff.

[@sirillustration]

Been considering this on bike for a while now. Great video, looks like a tough ride but worth it.

[@adharwood]

Awesome. Really enjoyable watch.

[@johnd1466]

Epic ride guys chapeau Bucklisted,

[@jemmavtaylor]

Maybe a bit late to the game with watching this video, but i've just found it - it's great, thank you for filming it and putting the time in. I'm planning on doing the route over 7 days with a friend this summer. Any chance you could give a list (brief or detailed) of what you took with you or perhaps what you didn't take but wish you'd packed. Thank you so much!

[@VeloVegan]

Hey, I think I packed ok. Camera equipment/wires was probably the biggest weight/space used in my bags. Lugged a big lens that I used only once haha. Kit wise, went with one pair of bib shorts, two jerseys arm warmers leg warmers and a good lightweight waterproof jacket, plus velotoze. Felt that was fine and we did have quite the range of conditions!

[@VeloVegan]

What I wish I had was since it was a bit cool was a light long sleeve top for non cycling in the afternoon instead of a t shirt., sandals over flip flops or the slip ons that have a single strip over your feet don’t know what they’re called. since your feet get cold walking around with no socks! Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@kennyness8881]

Nice video. Thanks for posting.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks kenny!

[@BikeBodyMind]

dude this was one of the best things I've seen on youtube. Excellent work!

[@VeloVegan]

Big Vegan Jeff ahh thanks bro! Btw back im boulder on the 7th July so should catch you around!

[@BikeBodyMind]

That sounds awesome!

[@martinowl]

Awesome stuff boys, well done.

[@GuyRWood]

Great job guys, what a beautiful ride!

[@mikesheridan5218]

Great vid thanks! "Mornings like these are why we ride bikes" .. love that & hope you ride the next one soon :) I'm driving the route next month for a recon!

[@VeloVegan]

cheers mike, enjoy!

[@jeremyprodger6766]

Nice video guys - enjoyed very much

[@VeloVegan]

cheers jeremy

[@ducatimale]

Thanks for the vid, capturing the atmosphere and spirit very well indeed! :-)

[@VeloVegan]

thanks!

[@janicegalloway5636]

Great video guys...you did well 👍

[@ghardi6324]

Great, enjoyed watching!

[@velilenare5267]

Want to complete this route next year. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@VeloVegan]

Velile Nare thanks! Good luck!

[@vincentvolmer5076]

What a great experience! Hopefully soon we can get out again for explore the world🤞

[@kylehall4063]

Awesome video, big days! Nice work!

[@VeloVegan]

thanks bro!

[@ourwilliam2405]

Superb video i really loved it, thank you for sharing. Saludos from Chile.

[@mtbguides_Rich]

Great vid 👍, hope I get better weather for my attempt.

[@gjones7151]

cheers! pack a good coat hahah

[@adrian.howell]

man you nailed this, awesome stuff!

[@VeloVegan]

Thanks bro!

[@davecarter1047]

Excellent work my friend, subscribed!

[@VeloVegan]

thanks Dave, appreciate it !

[@santeshrajkumar1922]

Awesome video guys well done

[@stevenmcfarlane8831]

Bealach Na ba. Is cool eh. That’s the easy bit. From Applecross to Sheildaig is tough as .... good video guys. We were lucky the day started off with torrential rain then an hour or so later we were blessed with clear blue skies. As we dropped into Applecross the scenery was spectacular . Wish I’d had my go pro on. Cheers.

[@dugongpoo]

Well done lads. Shame you couldn't get over to the Shetland Islands. Smooth roads, dozens of coffee shops and lovely people.

[@VeloVegan]

cheers john! yeah would have been great to get around them!

[@JaysonBryant]

Fantastic video. Great content and editing. Makes me want to go ride my bike. At least you had better weather than your attempt of Haleakala

[@tatecarlson6843]

I stumbled upon your channel. I really like this film.

[@andymuller5824]

Nice Video and a good Job, Great 👍👍😉

[@briangrieco32]

Beautiful;y shot and edited. I can't imagine doing those k's and filming and getting anything worthwhile.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks brian!

[@jamesrumble6842]

thanks for putting this together, very inspirational

[@VeloVegan]

thanks james!

[@Andysumm555]

Nice video, shame about the wind on day 3 as the road via Lochinver is something else, then when you get back onto the main road at Kylesku you still have the hills to do to get to Durness. With the rain wind and midges it can be a real challenge, though at least the wind keeps the midges at bay, well done.

[@VeloVegan]

howling wind or death by midges, the dilemmas or riding in scotland haha

[@karlmarx3471]

Amazing video, well done 👍🏻

[@markstevenson9862]

Fantastic video mate!! Did the route a few days after you!! Loved it!! Keep up the good work

[@VeloVegan]

wicked! what was your favorite part?

[@markstevenson9862]

VeloVegan Ullapool to Durness!! Super hard!! Steep climbs!! Rain, Hale stones and the wind!! All paid off!! For the descent in to Durness!! Then to be made so welcome in Durness YHA!! 👌 what was yours

[@VeloVegan]

Yeah that was a hectic day for us as well! i loved the landscapes all across the west coast though. So beautiful

[@markstevenson9862]

You made the right choice cutting out the headland!! In that wind you would have been hint by the full force of hector!! West is best fella!!

[@alt4res]

Sick video, thanks!

[@ourwilliam2405]

Amazing video chaps. You looked to be traveling very light.

[@palmer3977]

Shame I can only give one thumbs up for this mate.

[@jameshcox]

Nice one, thanks for sharing.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks james!

[@tonusbarronus4824]

Amazing vid! Thanks so much!

[@VeloVegan]

appreciate it bro!

[@stuarthenderson7354]

Nice Video really enjoyed it thanks.

[@officialmcdeath]

Major fistbump! Never a dull moment, watched it in one sitting - glad you addressed the Casey-style ride-through issue, personally prefer 'real' stuff - the footage you caught gave us all the atmosphere - clearly you have fallen in love with the place the same way I did, the first time I landed in the West Highlands as a youngster. Did you ever see Gusto in any of the wholefood stores up there? Thanks so much for sharing this - shoutout to BT \m/

[@VeloVegan]

officialmcdeath thanks mate, yeah I’m kinda torn, have a friend on KZbin called cyclingabout, he makes the best touring videos and it’s full of well framed ride throughs and it comes out so well. it can be fun finding and getting those shots but it definitely breaks up the ride and stops your rhythm, maybe if we weren’t always running from the rain we’d have done a few more hahah. The only wholefood shop was out off business haha. Mostly was small village shops when we were riding and there was a supermarket in two of the towns we stayed at!

[@officialmcdeath]

VeloVegan agreed I'm torn too, especially after the joyous balance on display in your Bormio and Tenerife videos. Knowing that trade-off makes the result here even more remarkable - the real story is how naked one is to the whims of the Atlantic and how that translates to a series of Abdullah / Rhino - style mini-odysseys. All that overlaid with the ever-present question of food choices. You played the hand you were dealt and triumphed - inspirational and eye-opening, thank you for that! #YEEW

[@ceriedwards6315]

Super video, thank you. Have you thought about doing the Irish Wild Atlantic Coast?

[@VeloVegan]

Ceri Edwards yea it was actually a flip up of doing this or the WAC but aaran didn’t have the time for a slightly longer trip!

[@ceriedwards6315]

Well, if you only have time to do a section of the WAC do the top!! The roads are all newly tarmaced, the views stunning and no traffic!! The Ring of Kerry doesn't compare - beautiful but way too much traffic.

[@mrinmoyborah842]

You guys are inspiration ❤️

[@robinfjaer]

Oh, and those Sportful leg warmers are killing me, too! It gets better if you wear them the wrong way with the seems facing outside and not to the back.

[@VeloVegan]

ah ill try this, they're such a nice material but the rubbing is unbearable

[@TheCoopsvids]

Well done lads that was epic. ATB for 2019. Cheers Coops 👍🏻🚴

[@rrobotman]

Really enjoyed this!

[@richardnorthing6615]

Great ride and video production guys. My heart went out to you on Day 4 with the closed coffee shops! I've been there, and t's brutal. I'm vegan too and seriously considering this route - you you really able to find food enough along the route?

[@VeloVegan]

yea it wasnt too bad, we brought the pain on ourseleves somewhat as well heading out so early in the morning, better views and quieter roads but what little stores there are can end up being closed hahah. the more isolated sections definitely isnt the biggest choice of vegan food but we definitely were fine food wise!

[@neilgatenby8646]

@@VeloVegan Thanks for the fab vid! Also a question from a vegan (who is a lot older, and will be carrying tent etc!) How did you manage for evening meals? I saw you buying some hot food? I guess you were going to the store and then cooking in the hostel? Am thinking post covid even fewer places will be up and running

[@allanfotheringham1959]

amazing mate

[@FutureMark809]

Love the ending 👌🏼

[@brezdog4623]

Great video gents. Me and a couple.of mates are doing similar in August. What were the biggest lessons you'd share with us? We don't look to be as experienced as the 2 of you so any wisdom imparted will be gratefully received.

[@Karla-Flr]

Super Video ! Is there a route description? Maybe on Komoot ?

[@VeloVegan]

hey thanks, here is the komoot www.komoot.com/collection/896164/-north-coast-500

[@Karla-Flr]

@@VeloVegan thanks mate !

[@26DNG]

Really enjoyed this, thanks for taking the time to create this. Could you advise what kit you took with you and any pro’s or con’s having completed this? Planning on doing this soon so any help would be appreciated. Cheers

[@VeloVegan]

hey thanks. Most of the weight i carried electronics/camera lens etc. I did have a large lens with me i only ended up using for once that was around 400g. For the bike i just took one pair of bib shorts, two jerseys, gore waterproof jacket(recommend), velotoze, arm leg warmers. Off the bike is where i would have done differently. i took flip flops- better would be slides as you cannot wear socks with flip flops, and the evenings were pretty cold. I just had a pair of running shorts and a t shirt, i would take a pair of lightweight long jons and a long sleeve t shirt instead depending on how the weather looked.

[@26DNG]

@@VeloVegan thanks for the response, did you find it easy enough picking up enough water and food along the route?

[@VeloVegan]

@@26DNGyep we didnt have any major problems but some planned cafe stops ended up being shut etc due to bad luck or some days we started riding really early.

[@pablosearth]

I love watching this video seen it many times now and hope to do something as epic shortly. Interested to know what tyres you used. Was it the 28mm? Take good care guys amazing effort!

[@VeloVegan]

hey Paul thanks! at the time my road bike only had clearence for 25mm tyres but i have toured since on 28mms and 32mms and definitely prefer the added comfort and control the wider tyres give!

[@nickisauer9626]

Fantastic trip. Cheers! Not reindeer though. ;-)

[@CHEKER19]

Nice video!

[@markl2815]

Locked down into week 5 in France so ... thanks for that, I needed it just now It’s an interesting one, the “filming vs basic POV vlog” question ... I haven’t done it with cycling but have done a bit with expédition canoë paddling and it is always a balance unless it is only to do the filming really. I worry that setting up things to get good shots can detract from the “just being there on the trip” part of it. You balanced it fine here I think. Cheers

[@VeloVegan]

thanks mark, i love doing both types of filming but when you have 150ks to ride and thinking about food etc you have to streamline your mental energy right haha

[@areabass]

Great job mate. Been thinking about the best way to create a cycling video without smashing up my gear. You did very well, looked like a great trip.

[@VeloVegan]

thanks mark! yeah the struggle is real, especially with all the electronics you have to lug around.

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

yup, weather, wind, rain and cold, always the same up there, rather you than me, lol. good video though.

[@orvillejones4916]

Great job. What is the model of trek and handlebar set up?

[@mralexjmd]

The road along the Summer Isles is worth it 👌

[@HarryRunsUK]

Stunning video buddy. Inspired!

[@VeloVegan]

Harry Runs thanks harry!

[@pablosearth]

This was amazing! Inspired me enough to go out and buy my first adventure bike and get out there. From a fellow 'V' i thank you so much Brother. Hey which Gore are you wearing is it the C7 Stretch? Looking for a good waterproof as we slide into the Autumn. Big thanks!

[@VeloVegan]

Plant Based Paul hey i couldn’t find the name on the jacket but I think it’s called a “gore one”, it was on offer at about 100£ on wiggle at the time. Really recommend the “waterproof ness” of it. And it packs down into back pocket easy

[@wanderingbox7971]

✌️🚴😁

[@paulbayley744]

Great ride and video gents, I’ve done the Applecross section and the climb both ways is a killer. I think it’s the highest paved road in the UK?

[@VeloVegan]

Paul Bayley didn’t know that! And yea it’s relentless!!

[@Ian-ld4fk]

Really nice vid thanks for sharing

[@Dri1a]

Awesome vid mate !

[@wulliedornan4787]

Impressive guys.

[@WoodyPembs]

Inspirational stuff, great sound and pace, really captured the feel of the highlands. I'm a vegan cyclist too, love a good curry - did you find much else for main meals?

[@VeloVegan]

Hey thanks Andy! i was initially a bit worried about the food situation but we managed fine! Most places we stayed at were big enough to have a takeaway or something and in Durness we picked up some stuff from the small shop and cooked pasta ourselves. it did help taking along a small bag of oats with us to have first thing in the morning though, gives you a bit more flexibility if you dont find too much open in the first few hours, as we did since we were leaving so early!

[@WoodyPembs]

@@VeloVegan Cheers, pasta and porridge always good standbys! Definitely getting easier to find grub out too. All the best :)

[@domjames2620]

Great video. Apparently this route is becoming very popular and people have complained about cars, etc. Did you find find traffic to be an issue along the way?

[@VeloVegan]

cheers dom, we did somewhat yea, especially camper vans. due to the amount of dailight we ended up leaving really early on a few of the days to get out before the rush of vans that starts picking up around midday. its not awful but maybe in summer holidays it gets worse. we did the loop mid June

[@dr.hasanhabiburrahaman1553]

Nice and beautiful scenery!! And two cyclists too!!! Which camera you had been using this trip ?

[@VeloVegan]

Hey thanks! It’s a mix between Sony a6300, canon g7x and iPhone. Later vlog stuff is more on iPhone because canon died

[@dr.hasanhabiburrahaman1553]

VeloVegan thank you ! So I regard you an experienced camera user . Which camera is best to you ? How about Gopro hero black 8 or 7 ? If possible kindly give a short reply . Best wishes !

[@VeloVegan]

Dr. Hasan Habibur Rahaman not sure on the difference, I heard they improved a lot recently with stabilisation. the chest mount I had was using a gopro 4 black

[@dr.hasanhabiburrahaman1553]

VeloVegan Exactas Sir ! Thanks ! Gopro 9 is coming on September...