Cycling North Coast 500 - an off-road start? Maybe not.

[@JMJC1]

Working my way through your videos, great professional touch and editing, I know you must spend hours/days/weeks putting these together.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you like them!

[@paulbearpark2129]

Another excellent video. Thanks Simon. It's always useful to see when things don't go quite to plan. The best way for those of us just starting out on bike packing to learn and not to expect it to go totally to plan.

[@kstoeb]

The greater idea of creating an off-road NC500 really is a great idea - and a big project. I am looking forward to this. Thanks a lot for taking us with you 🙏

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Oh I was just looking for a better day 1. Markus Stitz already has an partial off-road version. I have another wee route idea I’m working on for the West Coast 😉

[@CharbelBassil-yx1jv]

I enjoyed every bit of the video. Thanks for bringing us with you

[@MrJx4000]

Nice to see the backcountry of Scotland. Keep the videos coming--it's always another adventure ;-)

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks - and lots more in the Adventure Cycling playlist

[@davidalderson7761]

The fundamental planning need for NC500 is the resupply of food and stuff. Having been in the area you do need to be careful to identify shops carefully.

[@brianwilliams7769]

love watching your videos Simon - keep it up. I live in Beauly and headed off a couple of weekends ago on the train to Achnasheen intending to walk back over the hills to Beauly. I took the route past the Inver hut that you decided against. Unfortunately, after a few miles I was feeling rather ill so thought better of it and turned back. Anyway, the first few miles are certainly v boggy and the track not good - probably a lot of hike and bike on that route too.....however, I'm always surprised what people are able to cycle so I may be wrong!!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Worth knowing Brian, thank you. I had a comment from someone who had biked it - I don't think I'll rush back though!

[@HughDWallace]

I loved this one! Mainly because you were in my old backyard. I lived for three years in Marybank (& my mum lived there for many more) so I know that area well. And 41 miles up & back along Strathconon was one of the first 'long' bike rides I ever did - 11 years ago today according to my Facebook memories this morning! That all said, while I love that part of the world I'd not be so keen cycling on the roads up there. My time up there was pre-NC500 & I wasn't that keen on the roads then. Now, definitely not so much.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It’s a lovely area! I wouldn’t have wanted to stay on the NC 500. I helped shoot a tv show about a big Audax up north before the NC500 was created. Much nicer cycling before all the motorhomes and sportscars

[@HughDWallace]

@@alwaysanotheradventure I remember the show. It was the first time I'd heard of an Audax.

[@captain1664]

Another fab video. Thank you for being so inspirational. 👍

[@StefanGates1986]

Thanks for the tip leaving Inverness! I'm doing the route in two weeks and that change will make a big difference to my enjoyment :)

[@pungarehu]

There’s a fantastic cycle route from Inverness to Dingwall that keeps you either on cycle path or very quiet backroads. From there you could ride to Durness and hardly see a car. Basically - Dingwall - strathvaich - alladale - corriemulzie - glen cassely - merkland - glen golly. - Durness. Easy. There’s no shops on that route after contin though, but the achness hotel does fantastic food about halfway.

[@sureshchinnappa2290]

Mate I have learnt a lot from your video.s. Thank you. The other day I used your Kamoot advice and created my own little adventure. Did a 100 Ks. There were some incredibly steep tracks where I had to get off my bike and walk. I felt ashamed for doing that but just saw you, in this video, dismount and walk up a hill. I feel better now😊. Thanks again Si for the marvellous videos.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad to help

[@davidrowe8747]

Another great video, Simon. I've read in multiple sources that driving or riding the NC 500 is an absolute nightmare of tourists, so I can understand the desire to get away from the roads. Keep the adventures coming!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It’s not something I’d be in a hurry to ride

[@HighlandFifer]

Always been intrigued by the other side of Strath Bran as a hillwalker but always been put off by the bog and forestry. Thanks for taking the hit and proving my apprehensions are well founded.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

My pleasure 😝. Although if you don’t mind walking double-track it’s probably a better walk than ride once it gets down into the flat area.

[@RoadCyclingAdam]

Really enjoyed that story, thanks so much for documenting it and sharing

[@quarryfield]

Another very enjoyable video, thanks Simon.

[@ACTIVEPAIR]

Another Great Adventure buddy, thank you

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ColinCadden]

Nice one. FWIW there's a forest track heading along the north side of Loch Meig that takes you to within a few hundred metres of the dam, then there's a short section of footpath that would need a bit pf pushing. I've recently added it to OSM so it now appears on Komoot.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Colin - I saw that, but at that stage the footpath bit put me off 😁. I wanted to get down to Muir of Ord for 2nd breakfast.

[@ColinCadden]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Bad Girl?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@ColinCadden took me a moment to understand that!!! No, The Hub. Just came to it first.

[@lifecycleproject]

Yes another intelligent, entertaining and finely tuned video, especially welcome for those of us who appreciate cycling adventures on film, even without the hipster beards & tattoos !

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Why thank you Angus (I couldn't grow a beard if I tried!)

[@steelytail]

I try to hook my pedal and bars over the fence when using a high style. Then climb over and retreave.

[@christopherhood9241]

Definitely one of your best, love it. Makes me want to head back to Scotland on the next train .....

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Christopher

[@michaelb9664]

You could have named this channel ‘Always Another Cracking Video’. Well done on the adventure and the filming/editing 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks 👍

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

Great video. That route looks enticing. I like Glen Conon. Scenic and some decent Corbetts. I can’t face cycling the road through Garve. The train is an option and so is the track north of Garve from the Contin cycling centre. It gets a bit rocky in one part but I rode most of it on my 4 pannier tourer. I look forward to your video of going through from Craig. The suffering should be epic!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Oh it’ll be a while before I get back on the NC500! I quite fancy the idea of a West Coast alternative.

[@pendodave4661]

How serendipitous, I'm seeing off to do the western half tomorrow. I'm doing the 1st bit by the "3rd way" - train to strathcarron! Misses the busy road, and not muddy. What's not to like. Completionism be d*****d.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Makes good sense too! I stayed with a friend the night before this and that’s how he recommended it to a pal.

[@robinrai4973]

what an excellent looking route! while I've done some backpacking, I've never done something overnight, I might have to try it with that route!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Oh I'm sure there are better 😁. I've put all my routes on Komoot if it's helpful www.komoot.com/collection/982369/-gravel-off-road-in-scotland

[@rogerhart612]

Another great video. Thanks

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

I’ve just done the Hebridean Way and then went and did the Isle of Sky and I’m still in Glasgow. When you talk about the Scottish roads. The Isle of Sky at times was like cycling on the busy A5 in the midlands during rush hour but with a loverly wild view. The amount of traffic was scary and the standard of driving was generally poor. The best bit of riding on the isle of sky was an old disused road that is used as a type of Cycle way that runs alongside the newer A851 for a few miles The hardest part of my adventure was getting to the start of it. I would like to see more vlogs of planning rides such as the railway service and getting a bike on the train. The hardest to organise, the most disorganised and stressful part was booking and using the railway. No wonder people just want to use their cars

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks for the idea. I must say, I steer away from trains and coaches with my bike precisely because it’s too tricky. That said, the new bike coaches on the west highland line should make life easier. (Glasgow to Oban and to Fort William then Mallaig). I do know what you mean about SkyE and that old road. We cycled a big loop from our house over 5 days taking in that island and a chunk of the Western Isles and Skye was by far the scariest. I’m sure it has only got worse! simon-willis.blogspot.com/2016/05/our-tour-de-hebrides.html?m=1

[@suburbia2050]

The hebridean way is crying out for a dedicated gravel track, I guess the long bridge sections will have to be shared though. Would be relatively cheap to implement and would be a great tourist/local piece of infrastructure to make more of the wilderness and scenary. Heavily used roads just destroy that important reason why a growing number of environmentally aware tourists go to places by bike. Having experienced the Hebridean Way, the NC500 just doesn't appeal to me in its current form.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@suburbia2050 I agree with you.

[@edwardhomson]

That first option is much better than the one you went for. Or at least it's not as bad as some of the other options I went for on my version of an off-road north coast 500. The single track from the high point where the land rover track ends was all rideable on my gravel bike. The start of the off road even had a locked gate and dear fence to match your option 😂

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Another time Edward 😁

[@andygolborne5747]

Would do the NC500 for Wester Ross and over to Tongue, then turn south past Ben Mor to miss out the drag of the A9 down Easter Ross. Much quieter roads options.

[@tgrx1901]

Thats more or less what I did when I rode the NC500 with my mate. Turned south after Melvich. Deserted roads and past the most remote hotel in the UK and down to Loch Shin. Much better than having to ride the A9.

[@Chris-wd6ce]

Hi. Great videos for us 6 yr olds I am used to camping, but never on me bike, Trail 1 hardtail. How much does bike packing gear cost? Could be useful video?

[@germcevoy]

Great film.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks

[@TwistyTrails]

Inspiring stuff Simon. Awesome adventuring and fantastic top tips as always. I’m doing the Loch Ness Etape on Sunday on closed roads but would never attempt it on open roads, certainly not the west side. The Loch Ness 360 off-road loop is therefore a very attractive alternative. It would be great if the North Coast 500 had a similar off-road equivalent ……… one for a pioneer such as yourself?!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I'm told that's a great sportive so you'll have a superb ride. Closed roads are SO nice! I used to ride the Etape Caledonia and I've done a few Ironman events, all of which have closed roads. Markus Stitz sort-of created an off-road NC500 and did a film and route off.road.cc/content/news/markus-stitz-releases-new-short-film-on-off-road-north-coast-500-9835 I would like to come up with the West Coast one that could only be done by cyclists because there would be gravel stages where a car couldn't go. I'm pondering that at the moment...

[@HughDWallace]

@@alwaysanotheradventure I almost want to curse Markus for putting those roads on the map! But a) he is a top guy and b) it isn't the cyclists that are the issue but the motorised tourists and the utter lack of facilities.

[@sing_cycle_referee]

Hello! Quick question - where did you get your hi-vis wearable strap thingy? What a great description I know!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I saw some folk using them in ultra racing (I think they were compulsory) and I'm impressed with how tiny / light the thing is. Here's the company website - I found it from a UK supplier: monkeysee.net.au/collections/harnesses

[@sing_cycle_referee]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you! Mine is for an ultra race in June - The Great British Escapade!

[@gcsScotland]

Excellent wee adventure again with great tips - tracks less travelled are always the best. Interested to know if the Rab clothing is from their new Cinder range for cyclists and if you plan to review it. Cheers

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Graham. Yes the jackets are the Phantom and Ridgeline - first time I used them - from Rab’s Cinder range and I’ll do a piece about them when I’m more familiar with them. A little too early to tell.

[@jamble7k]

didn't envy you in that bivvy with cold feet 🤣 a fun adventure well done

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I’m now snivelling and coughing - perhaps related to my cold?

[@johnnyloco11]

Impressive ride sir. You have great fitness - able to lift that bike over the fence! Have you seen the book bikepacking scotland coming out soon? Should give some inspiration

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I’m planning (another) podcast with Markus about his book. Hopefully we’ll manage a ride too.

[@shropshirecycle]

Very inspiring, yet another great video, what is your mustard jacket you're wearing

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks - that jacket and the green one were given to me to test by Rab Equipment, part of their new bike range, and I'll do a proper video on them in time. The range is called Cinder and that mustard jacket is the Phantom. It's exceptionally light, and feels more like a showerproof than waterproof, but they've had a hiking/running version for a while now so I'm keen to see how it holds up. The green one (Ridgeline) is going to make a great spring jacket. Very windproof, relatively warm, but very soft and not like most cycling jersey/jackets.

[@shropshirecycle]

@@alwaysanotheradventure I'll be interested in the Cinder review, I'm looking for a replacement jacket, but I want waterproof & breathable, with lightweight, but that usually comes with a premium price tags

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@shropshirecycle The best I've ever found is Goretex Shakedry. It's utterly amazing stuff, but I understand they're not making the material any longer. It's relatively fragile and can't be used with rucksacks. The RAB stuff isn't going to be as good as it's a coated fabric.

[@TheRampax]

I love the idea of doing the NC500, but I am put off by: the busy roads, the midges and just the general logistics of getting there and back.

[@andygolborne5747]

Plenty of hostels round the loop and the roads get quieter on the West Coast, from Glen Carron. (Note there's a train option to Strathcarron from Inverness). There's also options on the North coast to cut down the middle and avoid the A9 drag in the east. Don't be fixated on "doing the NC500" as there are loads of better alternatives.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

SO many better places to ride in Scotland

[@TheRampax]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Yeah, I imagine the KZbin era has made the NC500 much worse in many ways.

[@jaycollins6792]

Great video

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Jay

[@seltunkoko]

As always ❤

[@slainelow]

Halfway through, but paused for a late, tuna and salad dinner. Too much? Perhaps, but enjoying the tour greatly and will forget to comment otherwise.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

🤣 I should build in an intermission....

[@slainelow]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Only if you come round in a skirt, selling icecream, during it. On second thoughts, I'll stick with the tuna salad 🙂

[@firstnamelastname9013]

👏👏👍👍

[@knrj]

I am sure you have answered this before somewhere. What handlebars are you using? 😃

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

They’re Kitchen Sink by Redshift. More here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3usqX-IirCEkK8

[@davemoss6976]

The NC500 is a driving route, not a great cycling route. I don't understand why so many cyclists do it when there are so many better options in Scotland. I have half a dozen 500 mile road routes better than the NC500

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Yes Dave - I can’t explain it either. My friend ended up having a great ride but I certainly wouldn’t do it nowadays. I’m working on an alternative only cyclists can tackle.