Phil's NC500 journey @phil2002 - Tumblr Blog

Day 4 - Skanevik to Leirvik

Day 4 - Skanevik to Leirvik + day ride to Mosterhamn & Brandasund

Fab day! The original plan was to cycle in the area we stayed last night but it turned out there was only one ferry on Saturdays....which was at 07.08! So we had planned a day ride for the other side (post ferry) where there are apparently 1,000 islands in that area alone! However, having spoken to a couple of locals we changed our ride which worked out brilliantly. We first visited an amphitheatre where they are currently showing Evita- it doesn't face the sea but still impressive albeit we had to clamber up to take photos over the fence. Then up to the top end of the archipelago which was brilliant as the scenery changed around every corner - and we saw a lot of islands with the bigger ones connected by bridges. We got (half) lost on the way back which resulted in a wonderfully quiet and beautiful route - and the sun came out to. Top marks to Chris for the navigation which was a little tricky at times. Big ride (for touring) with 1711m climbing over 66 miles - it wasn't meant to be that big but Chris & I just egged each other on. A day to remember.

Day 3 - Gjermunshamn to Skanevik via Arsnes, Rosendal & Utaker

Day 9 photo’s - the Cromarty ferry, whisky stop-off(?)…and Inverness Cathedral & Castle…..THE FINISH!!! It has been a fantastic trip and thanks to you all for supporting me. See blog below.

#nc500 #cycle route #dornoch #inverness

Day 9 - NC500 - Dornoch to Inverness via the Black Isle

The last day! Lovely back-door route out of Dornoch and then to get off the A9 asap we took the ferry to Cromarty which was lovely albeit we had to go past some oil terminals to get there! Then a lovely ride through the Black Isle and into Inverness…….and the finish line which was at Inverness castle…….followed swiftly by a celebratory drink at the Castle Inn!!! 682 m over 63m......which makes totals for the week of 10,743m climbing over 562 miles.

#nc500 #cycling #dornoch #inverness #cromarty

Day 8 photo’s - Dunrobin castle, Dornoch Castle & Cathedral and you can just about make out the seals! Full blog below.

#nc500 #cycling #wick #dornoch

Day 8 - NC500 - Wick to Dornoch

We lost the dramatic scenery of the West & North but still a great day albeit one of two halves. The morning was hard work due to a strong headwind but as soon as we entered Sutherland then everything changed - there were a lot more downhills, we could see the coast more and the wind was less strong. Stopped in Lybster for a look at the harbour and then onto Helmsdale for a cracking lunch. Dunrobin castle is in a fantastic setting (we're going back later in the week - by car!) And then got off the A9 as early as we could to take the scenic route into pretty Dornoch - and we saw seals in Loch Fleet - result! 66 miles with 1153m climbing.

#nc500 #cycling #Wick #dornoch

Day 7 Pt 2 - 2 pics of Castle of Mey, sunset from Thurso and haggis crisps!

#nc500 #cycling #john o'groats #orkney

Day 7 Pt 1 - what a lovely day at JoG, the Stacks and wonderful views of the Orkneys

#nc500 #cycling routes #john o'groats #duncansby head

Day 7 - NC500 - Thurso to Wick via Dunnet Head, John O'Groats & Duncansby Head

Another great day’s riding with fantastic weather. Did a detour up to Dunnet Head (most northerly point in GB) and then into Castle of Mey (Queen Mum’s residence in Caithness) followed by John O'Groats (not as naff as we thought it would be) and then Duncansby Head (most north westerly point) followed by some off-road action to the Stacks. Lovely views coming out of JoG but then quite a slog to Wick riding into a strong head wind - 633m over 57 miles

#nc500 #cycling routes #thurso #john o'groats #wick

Day 6 - long ride but look at those beaches! See blog below.

#nc500 #cycling routes #durness #thurso

Day 5 photo’s - you’ll notice I’ve captured one of Nessie’s offspring….long way from home though! And John Lennon’s ‘In my life’ from the Rubber Soul album is about Durness! See blog below.

#nc500 #cycling routes #kylesku #durness