A guid to the 850km (528 mile) NC500 cycle route around northern Scotland.This circular tour starting and finishing in Inverness and passing through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle is suitable for all types of bikes, and cyclists with a good level of fitness.The NC500 can be cycled in 2 weeks. Presented in 16 stages between 24 and 89km (15-55 miles)Alternate routes are given to avoid the steep ascent of Bealach na Bà or the undulating Assynt peninsulaThe busy A9 east coast road is avoided, but is described as an alternative routeRoute passes Ullapool, Thurso and Tain1:150,000 mapping and profiles are included for each routeGPX files available to downloadDetailed information on accommodation, refreshments and facilities along the route