This cycle route follows National Cycle Route 1 from Portgordon to Evanton in three stages, covering a total distance of 198 km with 1116 m of climbing. The route runs entirely within Great Britain and passes through numerous towns and villages.
The first stage from Portgordon to Inverness stretches 106.2 km with 540 m of ascent. It includes three notable climbs: one at 24.4 km with 47 m ascent averaging 3.8% gradient, a second at 72 km gaining 67 m also at 3.8%, and a third at 90.2 km with 45 m at 2.8%. The highest elevation on this stage is 177 m. You will pass through many places including Elgin, Forres and Nairn.
The second stage is shorter at 44.5 km but a bit hillier, ascending 379 m. It features three climbs: a 2.5 km climb starting at 5.1 km gaining 50 m at 2%, another 2.9 km climb starting at 13.9 km with 66 m at 2.3%, and the longest climb at 28.2 km lasting 4.5 km with 138 m gained at 3.1%. The highest point here is 218 m. This stage goes from Inverness to Nigg.
The final stage from Nigg to Evanton covers 47.6 km with 197 m climbing. It has one climb starting at 20.3 km, extending 2.6 km and gaining 56 m at 2.2% gradient. The highest elevation on this stage is 123 m. Stops along the way include Tain and Alness. You will find a number of water or food stops on each stage, from 9 to 39.
There is no temperature or seasonal data provided. No information about any gaps without food or water facilities is given beyond the number of stops on each stage. The route climbs smoothly with modest gradients and offers a mixture of moderate lengths, suitable for a multi-day tour.
