Description
The landscape and the journey
Mike Wells follows northern Scotland’s mountains, lochs and coast through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle. Plan the full Inverness circuit or a shorter holiday among selected sections.
Routes and itinerary options
The approximately 850 kilometres have 16 stages of around 24–89 kilometres. The main itinerary avoids the busy eastern A9, described as an alternative. Other choices bypass steep Bealach na Bà or Assynt’s repeated hills, adapting the ride to fitness, luggage and time.
Maps and practical planning
1:150,000 maps, elevation profiles, road and surface data accompany accommodation, campsites, food and facilities. Cicerone GPX files and places such as Ullapool, Thurso and Tain help organise stops. Use the route information to compare stages, plan your stops and check practical arrangements before departure.
Choosing the right trip
Entirely surfaced, the route still involves nearly 8000 metres of ascent. Suitable gearing, realistic distances and allowances for wind and weather matter. May–September is the main period. Choose an itinerary that fits your experience and available time, allowing flexibility for weather and local conditions.
About this edition
English-language guidebook by Mike Wells. Second edition, published in 2024. 200 pages. ISBN 9781786312198.
