The North Sea Cycle Route (NCN1 or EuroVelo 12) is an epic 7,250km long cycle route that follows the North Sea coast from Norway to the Shetland Isles in Scotland. The route takes cyclists through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Neverlands, Belgium, England and Scotland.
Here we highlight the route in England and Scotland, from Dover to Unst (the most northerly of the Shetland Isles), giving information and links to accommodation in independent hostels and bunkhouses along the way.
The UK section of the North Sea Cycle Route is the longest of all the countries. As you ride along the route will see the landscape of the UK change as you progress up the country. Chatting to locals in the pubs you will detect the changing regional accents, the differing architecture, building materials, fauna, flora and wildlife. Be sure to try savour the local dishes as your journey evolves.
Wells Next The Sea on the Norfolk Section of the North Sea Cycle Route NCN1 The Norfolk section of the route has recently been renamed the Lord Nelson Way, after Vice- Admiral Nelson, famed for his role in the Battle of Trafalgar. Indeed the route passes though the village of Burnham Thorpe, where he was born in 1758.
Cycling through the Lincolnshire Wolds on the North Sea Cycle Route NCN1 After Norfolk the Lincolnshire section includes the mainly traffic-free stretch from Boston to Lincoln. Here an interesting art trail will help the miles pass quickly.
Overlooking the sea on the Coast near Alnwick on the North Sea Cycle route NCN1 In Yorkshire and Northumberland you will be treated to the uplifting sight of numerous castles, cliffs, islands and magnificent wide empty beaches.
Castle Rock Hostel in the vibrant city of Edinburgh Once in Scotland you will go through the vibrant cities of Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen (aka the Granite City).
The Sail Loft Hostel on the Moray Coast welcomes cyclists. After cycling along the Moray Firth your route through Scotland heads northward until Scrabster (near Thurso) where you can take a ferry to Stromness in Orkney.
From Orkney you need to take the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick on the main Shetland Island. Finally 2 more short local ferry rides will take you to Unst, the most northerly Shetland Isle, the most northerly part of the UK and the end of your epic cycle adventure.
Independent Hostels mugs in the Conservatory of Guardiesfld Hostel on Unst, the most Northerly Sheltand Isle. This is the sort of journey that enriches the soul, changes lives and is written indelibly in the memory.
NcN1 North Sea Cycle Route
Palace Farm Hostel is a relaxing, flexible 4* hostel on a family run farm.Situated in the village of Doddington, (which has a pub!), in the North Kent Downs AONB. The area is great for walking, cycling & wildlife. There are ten fully heated en suite rooms sleeping up to 39. Duvets, linen and continental breakfast included.
The Walrus Hostel is London's most central hostel. Just outside Waterloo station it is only a 10 minute walk to Big Ben, The London Eye and The Houses of Parliament. This prime position, the friendly, helpful staff and the competitive prices have meant that it steadily ranks among the top 5 budget accommodation in London. Book direct for free early check in, towel hire + 10% off at the bar!
The 1912 Centre is the former Harwich fire station with views to the harbour.The centrally heated hostel offers a large dining / recreational area and cabin style rooms, with two ground floor rooms suitable for disabled. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, showers & drying room. BYO sleeping bag. The Centre is close to town amenities, Harwich Town railway station and just 50m from the promenade and sandy beach.
Darsham Country Centre is in the old railway station. Affiliated with the Woodcraft Folk, Centre provides self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 30. Perfectly situated for exploring the stunning Suffolk countryside & it’s many tourist attractions. Heritage Coast & seaside town of Southwold 10 miles away. Overflow camping for up to 15. Shop and garage nearby.
The medieval walled town of Castle Acre is on the Peddars Way ancient track/long distance path. This former pub, continues to serve travellers who seek refreshment and repose. Stay in private rooms and enjoy a quiet communal snug or 2 large areas suitable for group activities.
Deepdale Rooms offers a range of comfortable, private, self-catering rooms. Choose from double, twin, triple, quad, family & larger rooms for small groups. Most rooms are en suite. All bedding is provided, BYO towels, but can be provided. Facilities include a large well equipped kitchen, communal dining area & living room, underfloor heating throughout & laundry/drying facilities. There’s also an adjoining campsite. Large groups by arrangement.
Situated in the village of Claxby in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this low cost hostel has a well equipped kitchen and good sized communal area. Within easy reach of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The perfect location for: walking, cycling, field studies, outdoor pursuits, educational activities and conservation projects. Popular with family groups, schools, scouts, guides, walkers, cycling groups and other organisations.
In the heart of historic Hull this hostel is aimed at the individual traveller, groups, cyclists and families. Perfect for visiting Hull’s museums & attractions, such as The Deep, Marina, theatres and Connexin Live Arena. Sport fans friendly too. Family en-suite, singles and dorms. Self-catering kitchenettte and coffee lounge. Ideal for visiting Yorkshire Coast, historic Beverley and York. Daily ferries to the Netherlands put Europe on the doorstep. Proudly independent.
Astor York is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building just minutes’ walk to the historic centre!With a huge cosy lounge & dining areas, free WiFi throughout the building and every room en suite, Astor York is the perfect base for exploring the incredible historic centre of York. There is also a bar on the property if you fancy a drink with friends, or to meet fellow travellers, and a kitchen where you can cook your own food if you are on a budget!
Luxury bunkbarn, camping barn and B&B on an organic farm in beautiful Glaisdale Dale. Stunning views of the North York Moors and just 1 mile from the Coast to Coast route. The Bunk Barn (Dorm Cottage) is a modern barn conversion ideal for groups and families enjoying longer stays. The camping barn provides simple, single-night shelter for walkers and cyclists.
Situated in a beautiful secluded valley in the NY Moors National Park, this refurbished mill with en suite rooms, is perfect for those wishing to explore the Yorkshire moors, dales & coast. You can book the whole Mill, a room or a bed. Great for educational groups, families, outdoor clubs and gatherings of friends. Group activities and catering available. Next to Cod Beck reservoir, Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast & Lyke Wake Walk.
Fly high with the award winning “Albatross”! This clean and modern hostel is located in Newcastle’s city centre. Providing rooms from 2 bed to 12 beds and anything in between for as little as £17. The overnight price includes; linen, 24hr reception, fully fitted self-catering kitchen with free tea, coffee and toast, free WiFi access and computer terminals, pool table, satellite TV, free baggage storage and chargeable laundry facilities.The Albatross offers the perfect city centre base for international travellers, walkers, cyclists, and bikers.
Radcliffes Lodge is a purpose-built hostel overlooking the Marina in the vibrant harbour town of Amble on the Northumberland Coast. It sleeps 48 across 9 en suite rooms, has a large open-plan communal area & oozes quality & style. With the Coast & Castles cycle route & the Northumberland Coastal Path on the doorstep, the Lodge is perfect for walkers, cyclists, & groups of friends & families.
The family friendly 4* hostel has private en suite rooms, dorms, lounge, games room & a spacious dining room. Located in town centre, so ideal for Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Garden, Lilidorei and Barter Books. Ideal for cyclists, bike storage in dedicated cycle hub. The coast, with glorious sandy beaches is just 15 mins drive, whilst inland the Cheviot Hills & Hadrian’s Wall await.
Nestled in the hamlet of Preston, The Joiners Shop Bunkhouse is just 5 miles from the Northumberland coastline & 7 miles from Alnwick famed for its Castle & Gardens.The charming 19th century building takes groups of up to 18 with one double bed and 16 single pine bunks arranged in sections of 3’s & 5’s. Fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining area, lounge with fire & hot showers. Close to NCN Route 1, Seahouses, Beadnell and the famous coastal castles.
Within easy walking distance of Seahouses, this recently refurbished hostel offers affordable, spacious & comfortable accommodation. A perfect base for visiting the beaches and castles of the Northumbrian Coast. Particularly popular with divers, families, cyclists, walkers, school, church and youth groups. Groups of all sizes welcome. Sole use available. Booking essential.
Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn is within walking distance of shops and pubs. It is ideally located for exploring Nothumberland’s Heritage Coast, the Cheviot Hills and the Scottish Borders. The Bunkbarn sleeps 14, the Studio 4. Plus 2 studio apartments and 5 self-catering cottages.
There is a shared modern toilet block. BYO sleeping bags/towels or hire. Studio apartments & cottages have bed linen.
Perfectly located for visiting Lindisfarne and the castles and beaches of the North Northumberland coast, Eat & Sleep Lindisfarne sleeps 28 across 5 rooms, one of which is accessible. Eat at the on-site bistro or self-cater in the bunkhouse kitchen. Situated close to St Cuthberts & St Oswalds Way and directly on the Sandstone Way and the Coast and Castles route. There’s secure cycle storage, a drying room & laundry facilities, comfy beds & piping hot showers for the weary adventurers.
The Dolphin Inn is situated in the centre of the historic seaside town of Dunbar. Just a short walk to the beach and the High Street and with the possibility of trying out a whole range of outdoor activities close by, the hostel is perfect for weekend breaks and family holidays. This characterful hostel sleeps 27 across 11 rooms. Dogs are welcome by arrangement.
This small, cosy bunkhouse sits away from the crowds among the rolling hills of East Lothian. The shops and amenities of Haddington are just 3 miles away, while Edinburgh to the west and the coast to the east are both easily accessible. The bunkhouse sleeps six in one room. Each booking gets sole use. With a log burning stove, a supply of logs & a fab little kitchen you are assured of a comfortable stay.
The High Street Hostel is one of Europe’s best regarded and most atmospheric hostels. It is hugely popular with world travellers. Located just off the historic Royal Mile in a 470 year old building, it is your perfect base for exploring all the city’s many attractions and of course its wonderful nightlife.Providing excellence in location, ambience and facilities, the hostel is highly recommended by more than ten of the world’s top backpacker travel guides. Come along and see for yourself!
In a wonderful location, facing south with a sunny aspect and panoramic views over the city, Castle Rock Hostel is just steps away from the city centre. The historic Royal Mile, the busy pubs, the late-late nightlife of Grassmarket and Cowgate are all only a short walk away. Then, of course, there is the famous Edinburgh Castle.Most of the rooms have no traffic noise and there are loads of great facilities, 24-hour reception and no curfew.
Royal Mile Backpackers is a small and cosy hostel with its own special character! Perfectly located on the Royal Mile, the most famous street in Edinburgh, Royal Mile Backpackers is the ideal place to stay for the independent traveller.The comfortable beds and cosy common areas will make you feel at home and the friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
Outstanding, new, architect-designed bunkhouse situated outside Kirriemuir, at the gateway to the Angus Glens.Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to experience and enjoy the proximity to the Cairngorms National Park. This eco bunkhouse, with solar panels & air source heat pumps, provides top-quality accommodation for up to 24. The bunkhouse sleeps 20 in one large dorm plus there’s a self-contained flat which sleeps 4 in 2 twin/king-sized double rooms.
Glenprosen is the most intimate of the Angus Glens on the southernmost edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Two Munros; the Mayar and Driesh link Glenprosen to the Cairngorms plateau.Prosen Hostel is also close to the upgraded East Cairngorms footpath network. Converted to the latest and greenest specification, the 4* hostel offers cosy, quality accommodation for 18. With 4 rooms, sleeping 4, 4 and 6 in bunks and a family room sleeping 4. You can also hire the nearby village hall.
Reopened Summer 2024 after extensive refurbishment, the Sir Arthur Grant Outdoor Centre provides modern & comfortable accommodation for schools, clubs & other groups (max group size 34) including family & friends get-togethers. Situated in extensive grounds & woodland in rural Aberdeenshire, outdoor activities and catering can be provided if required.3 twin rooms. One has two single beds in it and the other two have a single bed and a chair bed.
Situated on the shore of the Moray Firth coast in Portsoy, The Sail Loft has a stunning location. Converted from a former sail making loft, The Sail Loft is modern and well equipped. It provides self-catering accommodation for 25 in a mixture of single accessible, twin, triple and bunk rooms, with secure cycle storage, cycle wash-down facilities and an outdoor hot tub. The Sail Loft is a short easy walk from Portsoy town centre and its charming 17th century historic harbour. Groups welcome.
Findhorn Village Hostel is right by the beautiful Moray Coast. Great wildlife sites & the Speyside distilleries are within reach. It provides self-catering accommodation for groups or individuals. It has shared bunkrooms, a two-person room & an en-suite family room. Large communal kitchen/ dining/ living area. A self-contained studio (6 beds) has a small kitchenette & en-suite shower.
The cosy and friendly Student Hotel enjoys panoramic views of the town and the mountains beyond. Your perfect place to unwind, just yards from the city’s varied night-life and a few mins’ walk from bus and train stations. Relax in the fabulous lounge with real log fire and drink as much free tea, coffee & hot chocolate as you like. Visit the beautiful ancient pine forest of Glen Affric or the Culloden Battlefield. Famous Loch Ness lies just a few miles upstream and of course has its own special wild animal.
Situated within a small hotel in the north Highlands, the bunkhouse consists of 4 rooms with a shared shower room & toilet. Guests can enjoy the hotel facilities; comfortable reception area, cosy bar with real fire, real ale and regular music sessions. Cyclists, walkers, bikers, fishermen, Munro baggers, families and individuals are all welcome. The bunkhouse is just off the North Coast 500 road route. No self-catering facilities but breakfast & evening meals are available.
Set in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale, all six rooms at the Lodge are en-suite. There is a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area with log burning stove. On the NC500 and Land’s End to John O’Groats routes, the Lodge is popular with ‘end to enders’ and walkers exploring the far north Marilyn Hills. Perfect stopover en route to Orkney. Pets welcome on request. Groups welcome.
Thurso is the northern-most town on the UK mainland. The cliffs are alive with guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars & puffins, while the sea is home to seals & porpoises. The 4* hostel has en suites in all rooms, (some have TVs). Using their own backpacking experience, the owners ensure you will enjoy a level of comfort and service second to none. Surfing, pony trekking, fishing, quad biking, coastal walks and boat trips are all available nearby. On the NC500 route.
Self-catering accommodation in the captivating small town of Stromness, Orkney. Within walking/cycling distance of the ancient Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar & Skara Brae. Stromness has a museum, art centre, festivals, scuba diving, sea angling etc. Facilities include fully equipped kitchen, single, double, twin, triple & family bedrooms, some with wash basins, others en suite. Towels & bedding inclusive. Free car park.
Birsay Hostel in the northwest corner of the Orkney mainland offers comfortable accommodation for groups of 10 to 26 in 5 bedrooms. An ideal venue for outdoor education trips, clubs or family gatherings. It has a well equipped kitchen, dining area, drying room, disabled access and all bed linen is provided. There is a campsite in the extensive grounds. Close to spectacular coast, RSPB reserves, early settlements and UNESCO heritage sites.
Islesburgh House 5 star Hostel offers top quality hostel style accommodation in Lerwick, the thriving main (and only town) on the Shetland Isles. With a choice of 2, 4, 6 or 8-bed private rooms, a well equipped kitchen, a large dining room & a comfortable lounge, you are assured of a comfortable stay in beautiful, bright & spacious surroundings.
Gardiesfauld Hostel is on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Isles with spectacular cliffs sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and secluded, sandy beaches on the east with rocky outcrops where seals and otters appear.On the picturesque shore at Uyeasound, this refurbished hostel has good facilities and a relaxed atmosphere. There is a kitchen, dining room, lounge, conservatory and rooms with en suite facilities as well as a garden where you can pitch a tent or park your caravan.
