Nigg to Evanton
- 48 km
- 197 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 197 m
- 48 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders looking for a moderate distance with gentle climbing.
Stage 3 of 3 of the National Cycle Route 1: Dundee to Tain (part): 47.6 km from Nigg to Evanton with 197 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting near Nigg at 0.9 km, the route passes through Shandwick, Balintore, Hilton of Cadboll, Clashnamuiach, then Tain at 21.4 km where a 2.6 km climb begins, gaining 56 m at an average gradient of 2.2%. The highest point is at 26.3 km at 123 m elevation. The path continues through Lamington, Scotsburn on Scotsburn Road (5.2 km), Balnaguisich, Alness, and finishes at Evanton (47.4 km). The road surface is fully paved, mainly on minor roads (85%) with some cycle path (9%), quiet streets (3%) and a short stretch of main road (3%). There is a longest continuous stretch of almost 20 km without a café, shop or water from 21.5 km to 41.4 km. Food and drink stops include the Balintore Inn pub near 8.7 km, cafés at Tain (21.4 km), Alness (41.4 km), and at the finish in Evanton. Shops are available in these towns as well. Bailout points with railway stations exist at Tain (21.4 km) and Alness (41.4 km).
Highlights
- 2.6 km climb near Tain
- Highest point 123 m at 26.3 km
- Scotsburn Road 5.2 km stretch
- Longest stretch without café or shop 19.9 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 20.3 km | 2.6 km | 56 m | 2.2 % | 3.1 % | 63 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 85% minor road · 9% cycle path · 3% quiet street · 3% main road
- Main roads
- 1.5 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 22 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 4.1 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- Scotsburn Road (5 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 11% climbing · 13% descending · 76% flat
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 20 km, from 22 km to 41 km.
Food, water and shops
- 8.4 kmSpar · convenience store · 360 m off route
- 8.7 kmBalintore Inn · pub · 340 m off route
- 21.4 kmPipers Coffee House · café · 50 m off route
- 21.4 kmCo-op Food · convenience store · 190 m off route
- 21.4 kmToilets · 150 m off route
- 21.4 kmWell Pharmacy · pharmacy · 180 m off route
- 39 kmLC24 Cycle Repair · bike shop · 570 m off route
- 41.4 kmCafe Picante · café · 140 m off route
- 41.4 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 120 m off route
- 41.4 kmAlness Pharmacy · pharmacy · on the route
- 44.8 kmSkiach Services · petrol station · 130 m off route
- 47.4 kmCornerstone · café · 360 m off route
- 47.4 kmCo-op Food · convenience store · 380 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 21.4 km — Tain (station), 420 m off route
- 41.4 km — Alness (station), 430 m off route
Worth a stop
- 21.4 km — Mercat Cross (monument)
- 31.6 km — Scotsburn House, Broch (archaeological site)
- 42.7 km — Alness Old Parish Church (ruin) (ruins)
At the finish
- Cornerstone · café · 360 m
- Co-op Food · convenience store · 380 m
Stay after this ride
- Black Rock Holiday Park · campsite · 200 m from the finish
- Novar Arms Hotel · hotel · 310 m from the finish
- Kiltearn House · guest house · 1.3 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 3 h 24 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 15–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 19.9 km without café, shop or water between 21.5 km and 41.4 km
- 1.5 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 22 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or higher