Scottish Highlands Cycle

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.