4
moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotel and guesthouse
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1350GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: GGS

Scottish Highlands Cycle Trip highlights

  • Experiencing the timelessness of the lochs
  • Take side trips to experience the landscape further on foot
  • Includes bicycle hire
  • Cycle along the shores of Loch Ness
  • Rest day in Fort William: go mountain biking in the forest or climb Ben Nevis
  • Visit castles and whisky distilleries

Cycle from Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. During this week long trip you'll cycle along scenic paths and quiet forest trails. Enroute, there are opportunities to spot the wildlife of the region including red deer, stag or golden eagle. A free day in Fort William is set aside to rest, cycle more, ascend Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. A train journey takes you across desolate Rannoch Moor to Loch Rannoch, where you continue on bike to the beautiful, Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, nestled in the Perthshire hills.

Countries:

Scotland

Starting Point:

Inverness

Finishing Point:

Pitlochry

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Inverness. In the evening there will be a route briefing and you will collect your bikes. Now a thriving modern town, Inverness has historical links going back to Neolithic times. Many battles have been fought for control of this strategic site. A visit to the Garrison Castle Encounter will take you back to 1745 and the Jacobite Rebellion. Accommodation: Family-run villa guesthouse, all rooms ensuite.

Meals:  Nil

Leaving Inverness and following the river, you will cycle across moorland and quiet country roads to Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined Urquhart Castle. Today's route is mostly uphill. Accommmodation: Built in 1810, the first house on the green, this B&B still has many traditional features, such as the original Georgian windows and is now B-listed.

Meals:  B

Follow the Cycle Way of the Great Glen. After some steep hills you are rewarded with beautiful views of Loch Ness and the mountains beyond. In the forest you may see deer or golden eagles before you reach the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus. The terrain today and tomorrow is on stony paths. Accommodation: Small family-run bed & breakfast situated within walking distance of Fort Augustus.

Meals:  B

Today you have two options depending on the type of bike you are riding or level of difficulty you prefer. Option 1. - Standard) The Caledonian Canal towpath and forest tracks keep you away from traffic until you reach the locks of Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie. From here, it is a short ride to the busy tourist town of Fort William in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis. Option 2. - E-Bike) This is an alternative, easier route between Fort Augustus and Fort William that is also suitable for e-bikes. Avoiding the steep narrow trails of the standard option, on this route you would follow the Sustrans Caledonian Way cycle route 78. Accommodation: Two nights in a family-run B&B with panoramic views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding hills.

Meals:  B

Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis, rest your legs, or explore the many trails in Leanachan Forest on foot or by bike.

Meals:  B

Avoid the busy roads with a scenic train journey across bleak and desolate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch Station. Cycle along the quiet road along the beautiful south shore of Loch Rannoch to Tummel Bridge. Continue by Loch Tummel to the delightful Victorian town of Pitlochry. Accommodation: stay two nights in a welcoming guesthouse in this town that is one of Scotland's most beautiful and vibrant places to visit.

Meals:  B

Today is a free day in Pitlochry. We have prepared two interesting loop rides for you. You can cycle to Blair Atholl and visit Blair Castle to enjoy the magnificent display of arms & armour and the 32 fully furnished rooms displaying beautiful furniture, fine paintings, china, lace and embroidery. The other route takes you to cycle to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay. The town has a peaceful character and charmingly restored 18th century houses forming a small square. At the quaint town of Pitlochry there is a chance for some shopping at the thriving town centre, visit one of the two whisky distilleries or the Dam and Fish Ladder.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 full Scottish breakfasts
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3-4* bed & breakfast accommodation on a twin share basis with private facilities (ask for upgrade options to 3-4* Hotels/Inns)
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg
  • Train ticket Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6
  • Map, GPX files, travel documentation and emergency support service
  • Bike hire for 6 days: 27 speed sports hybrid cycles equipped with helmets, rear pannier bags, tools, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle, reflective vests and lights. E-bikes available (supplement applies)

  • Travel to and from Inverness / Pitlochry
  • Drinks, lunches and dinners
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Cycle guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
  • Entrance fees
  • Unscheduled transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess luggage
  • Option to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4* Hotels/Inns

Accommodation

Guesthouses

The hotels described are our usual accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used. The accommodation provided is either in Scottish Tourist Board graded B&B establishments or in accommodation inspected by our local team. For the most part we use guesthouses, farmhouses or private houses: the emphasis is on a friendly welcome, good quality facilities and a hearty breakfast. Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room. Evening meals are available at some B&Bs or are readily available nearby. We will advise when prior booking is necessary. It is possible to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4* Hotels/Inns, please ask our team.

Optional Upgraded Accommodation

You may wish to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4* hotels and inns. We will book en-suite rooms where available, most facilities will include a shower more often than a bath. On some occasions and in some of the most remote hotels we cannot guarantee en-suite facilities.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 24 speed bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, tools, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, lock and water bottle.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities. *Please note that by UK law, you can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over.

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 This trip involves 6 days cycling usually along backroads and field paths with minimal car traffic (although some short distances will have heavier traffic). You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between B&B’s. The mileages are short but terrain on day 3 and 4 is stony paths (easier option available on day 4) and day 2 has the steepest climb at 1050 feet. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be worn (provided with bike). **Please note that by UK law, you can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over.

Departure dates

Wednesday & Saturday 3 Apr to 23 Oct

Notes

NB:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.
Note:
It is possible to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4* hotels. Please refer below or ask our team for further details.
Note:
Please note that accommodation is limited for start dates between 5-8 June and some supplements may apply.
Note:
By UK law, you can ride an electric bike if you're 14 or over.

Priceper person from

£1350GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementGBP£130
  • Single SupplementGBP£300
  • Accommodation Upgrade 3-4* Hotels/Inns TwinshareGBP£720
  • Accommodation Upgrade Single Room 3-4* Hotels/InnsGBP£830
*Prices listed are per person

Scottish Highlands Cycle Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Scottish Highlands Cycle Videos

Scotland. Made for Cycling.