Road · From the map · United Kingdom
Inverness to Nigg
- 45 km
- 379 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 379 m
- 45 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders prepared for moderate climbing over a medium distance of 44.5 km.
Stage 2 of 3 of the National Cycle Route 1: Dundee to Tain (part): 44.5 km from Inverness to Nigg with 379 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The ride starts at Inverness, passing through Crown, Haugh, Merkinch, Longman, South Kessock, Craigton and North Kessock before reaching Charleston. It continues through Munlochy, Killen, Navity, and ends near Cromarty. The route is mainly on minor roads for 30.2 km (68%), with 7.5 km on main roads and 2.3 km on cycle paths. Almost all the surface is paved (95%) with just 1% gravel or unpaved. The route has three climbs: first from km 5.1 over 2.5 km gaining 50 m (average 2%, max 3%); second from km 13.9 over 2.9 km gaining 66 m; and third from km 28.2 over 4.5 km gaining 138 m, the highest point at 218 m near km 32.6.
Highlights
- Three climbs peaking at 218 m
- Starts at Inverness, passes through Munlochy and Charleston
- Longest descent 3.2 km dropping 110 m near Cromarty
- Perk café and Co-op at start in Inverness
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 5.1 km | 2.5 km | 50 m | 2 % | 3 % | 58 m |
| — | 13.9 km | 2.9 km | 66 m | 2.3 % | 3.5 % | 78 m |
| — | 28.2 km | 4.5 km | 138 m | 3.1 % | 5.5 % | 218 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 68% minor road · 17% main road · 5% cycle path · 4% quiet street · 3% unmapped
- Main roads
- 7.6 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 31.3 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 2.6 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 24% climbing · 22% descending · 55% flat
- Longest descent
- 3.2 km from 37.9 km, dropping 110 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 26 km, from 15 km to 40 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmPerk · café · 90 m off route
- 0 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 80 m off route
- 0 kmToilets · 130 m off route
- 0 kmSuperdrug · pharmacy · 220 m off route
- 0.8 kmHighland Bikes · bike shop · 30 m off route
- 4.6 kmWhite Cottage Cafe · café · 50 m off route
- 4.8 kmToilets · on the route
- 14.1 kmAllangrange Arms · pub · on the route
- 14.2 kmScotmid · convenience store · 50 m off route
- 14.7 kmFraser's Garage · petrol station · 50 m off route
- 40.7 kmCromarty Stores · convenience store · 90 m off route
- 40.7 kmAllan Square Public Toilets · toilets · on the route
- 40.8 kmSutor Creek Cafe · café · on the route
Need to bail out?
- 0.1 km — Inverness (station), 370 m off route
- 42.4 km — Nigg pier (ferry), 30 m off route
Worth a stop
- 4.8 km — The Old Ticket Office (attraction)
- 11.1 km — Black Isle Brewery (attraction)
- 40.3 km — Old Gaelic Church (ruins)
At the start
- Perk · café · 90 m
- Co-op Food · supermarket · 80 m
- O'Délice · patisserie · 120 m
- Rendezvous Cafe · café · 130 m
- The Mustard Seed · restaurant · 60 m
Stay after this ride
- The Royal Hotel · hotel · 2.9 km from the finish
- The Factor's House · hotel · 3.4 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 3 h 11 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 25.6 km without café, shop or water from km 14.7 to 40.3
- 7.6 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 31.3 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limit
- 0.3 km of gradient above 5%