Gravel · From the map · United Kingdom
Rosehall to Altnaharra
- 83 km
- 751 m
- Hard
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 751 m
- 83 km
Route overview
This route suits cyclists ready for a long-distance ride with moderate climbing and some unpaved sections.
Stage 1 of 3 of the Great North Trail (John O' Groats): 82.7 km from Rosehall to Altnaharra with 751 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting near Rosehall, the route heads out with the Oykel Bridge Hotel close by. It passes West Merkland at 51.7 km before finishing in Altnaharra at 81.5 km. The terrain features a mixture of road types: around 39% minor roads, 21% main roads (all without cycle lanes), 20% tracks, and 19% quiet streets. The route contains 20% gravel or unpaved surface. The longest named roads ridden are Strathmore Hope Road for 14.2 km, followed by the A837 for 9.2 km and the A838 for 8.2 km. Climbing is mainly in the first half, which accounts for 60% of the elevation gain of 751 m. Four main climbs occur starting at km 27.7, km 31, km 51, and km 65.8, with the steepest 500 m stretch at 9.1% located near km 33. The highest point is 409 m at 34.1 km, beneath Maovally (511 m). The longest descent of 6.1 km drops 186 m starting at 58.9 km. Of note, there is a very long stretch of 71.8 km with no café, shop or water from km 9.7 to 81.5. The ride passes near archaeological site Achaneas Broch at km 9.9, close to Achness Hotel / Pub which is slightly off-route.
Highlights
- Climb to 409 m near Maovally
- Longest descent 6.1 km dropping 186 m
- Achaneas Broch archaeological site at 9.9 km
- Longest named road: Strathmore Hope Road 14.2 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 27.7 km | 2 km | 81 m | 4.2 % | 8.7 % | 198 m |
| — | 31 km | 2.8 km | 203 m | 7.2 % | 10.2 % | 404 m |
| — | 51 km | 3.6 km | 136 m | 3.8 % | 6.7 % | 256 m |
| — | 65.8 km | 1.6 km | 87 m | 5.6 % | 7.4 % | 121 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 39% minor road · 21% main road · 20% track · 19% quiet street
- Main roads
- 17.5 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 48.8 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- Strathmore Hope Road (14 km), A837 (9 km), A838 (8 km)
- Surface
- 79% paved · 20% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 18% climbing · 18% descending · 64% flat
- Steep sections
- 4.7 km over 5% · 1.8 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 9.1% at 33 km
- Longest descent
- 6.1 km from 58.9 km, dropping 186 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 72 km, from 10 km to 82 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmOykel Bridge Hotel · pub · 110 m off route
- 9.7 kmAchness Hotel / Pub · pub · on the route
Worth a stop
- 9.9 km — Achaneas Broch (archaeological site)
At the start
- Oykel Bridge Hotel · pub · 110 m
Stay after this ride
- The Bed & Breakfast · guest house · 680 m from the finish
- Altnaharra Hotel · hotel · 770 m from the finish
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 6 h 54 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 16–17 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 71.8 km without café, shop or water (km 9.7 to 81.5)
- 17.5 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 48.8 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or more
- 20% gravel or unpaved surface