Scottish Highlands Cycle
All content by World Expeditions
Experience the natural beauty and stunning lakes of the Scottish highlands at handlebar level
Cycle from Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. During this week long trip we cycle along scenic paths and quiet forest trails with opportunities enroute to spot the wildlife of the region including red deer, stag or golden eagle. A day in Fort William is set aside to rest or ascend Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. A train journey takes us across desolate Rannoch Moor to Loch Rannoch, where we continue on bike to the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, nestled in the Perthshire hills.
Highlights
- Cycling through the heart of the Scottish Highlands
- Exploring the quaint villages which are full of historical intrigue
- Experiencing the timelessness of the lochs
- Visiting castles and taking side trips to experience the landscape further on foot
Itinerary
Day 1 Join Inverness
This 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.
Day 2 To Drumnadrochit (39km)
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.
Day 3 To Fort Augustus (37km)
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.
Day 4 To Fort William (55km)
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 there is a short ride to the busy tourist town of Fort William in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis.
Day 5 Rest day in Fort William, option to climb Scotland's highest peak Ben Nevis (1344m)
Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis or explore the many trails in Leanachan Forest.
Day 6 To Tummel Bridge (39km)
Today there is a scenic train journey across desolate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch Station, an isolated place at the end of the road from Pitlochry. From Rannoch it is a pleasant flat ride beside Loch Rannoch to reach Kinloch Rannoch and on to Tummel Bridge.
Day 7 To Pitlochry (20 or 39km)
A short day’s cycle by Loch Tummel to the delightful Victorian town of Pitlochry or alternatively strike northwards to Calvine and Blair Atholl. Visit Blair Castle and enjoy the magnificent display of arms and armour and the thirty-two fully furnished rooms. These display beautiful furniture, fine paintings, china, lace and embroidery. Continue on to Pitlochry, a pleasant Victorian holiday town that nestles in a sheltered position among the hills. It has two distilleries, an excellent theatre, good shopping and a wide choice of restaurants.
Day 8 Trip concludes Pitlochry
The trip concludes after breakfast
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts – Full breakfasts are served and usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/sausages, tomato, toast (or any combination you prefer), coffee, tea and juices.
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 to 4 star bed & breakfast accommodation on a twinshare basis with private facilities.
- Transfer of luggage between accommodation – one main bag and one small item of hand luggage per person with a total maximum weight of both bags of 15kg per person.
- 24 speed hybrid cycles equipped with helmets, panniers, tools, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, lock and water bottle
- Train ticket Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6
- Map and travel documentation and emergency support service
Group Size Min
2
Group Size Max
Accommodation Summary
The accommodation provided is either in Scottish Tourist Board graded B&B establishments or in accommodation inspected by our local partner. 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.
Equipment Required
Cycle helmet (provided), wet weather gear, sunscreen, sandshoes, midge repellant and sun hat (a comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,260
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
Contact World Expeditions customer serviceAdvertisement
Advertisement
