Bike Across Scotland
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Bike Across Scotland
A grand tour of the Scottish Highlands
Highlights
- Locally-sourced food
- Ride along lochs, islands, forests, and mountains
- Likely wildlife sightings, including dolphins and osprey
- Tour of a 13th century castle
- Discover local beer and whisky
- Ride the highest pass in the United Kingdom
Description
Beginning in Inverness the route takes you alongside the mighty Loch Ness and via the Great Glen, a massive fissure carving through the Scottish Highlands. This geological marvel is over 400 million years old. Passing through this iconic area, we visit the ancient Urquhart Castle before heading north to Strathpeffer via Glen Ord - home to one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. From here we pedal west into increasingly rugged and wild scenery, aiming for the dramatic mountains of Torridon and Applecross. At Applecross an epic day of riding awaits over the UK’s highest mountain pass awaits! The final push takes us to the lovely coastal village of Gairloch and journey’s end on the shores of the Atlantic.
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Price
$4,295
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Single Supplement
$800
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Hilly
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Distance
254 miles - average 36 miles
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Departing
Inverness
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Arriving
Inverness
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Bike Rental
Included (Carbon available at extra charge)
- View our Suggested Reading
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Dates
- June 23, 2012
- July 7, 2012
- August 4, 2012
Day 1: Inverness & The Black Isle
We will rendezvous at 1pm in our hotel in Inverness after lunch for introductions and bike fitting. Once we are good to go with the bikes, we will head out of the city for a leisurely ride on the scenic Black Isle.
Day 2: Inverness to Fort Augustus
Riding out of Inverness we head south east into the hills above Loch Ness. The roads here are very quiet and offer a great introduction to Scotland with lovely scenery and many places of interest.
Day 3: Fort Augustus to Strathpeffer
A novel start to the day as we board a boat on Loch Ness for a short journey to Castle Urquhart. The castle is spectacularly perched on the edge of the Loch and dates to the 1200’s. The route will takes us west and into the Balmacaan Forest.
Day 4: Strathpeffer to Achnasheen
An easier day today as we traverse from the East to the West Highlands. Starting beneath the dominant mountain of Ben Wyvis. Legend has it that the Clan Munro kept their lands here on the condition that they could provide the Crown with a snowball in midsummer.
Day 5–6: Achnasheen to Shieldaig and Applecross loop
Day 5: From Achansheen we pass several lochs en route to Lochcarron. You will notice how the scenery becomes wilder and the mountains more dramatic - this is the North West Highlands at its best. Our lunchtime stop is in the lovely village of Lochcarron.
Day 6: Today is a classic and arguably the best day ride in the UK. Over the full distance it is 45 miles, 6000ft of ascent and includes the highest road pass in the UK! It’s a seriously steep climb and there’s no shame in choosing to ride the van to the top.
Day 7: Shieldaig to Gairloch
For our final day on the road, we ride through Glen Torridon, beneath the mighty sandstone peaks. In our view, Torridon is one of the finest mountain areas in Europe. Here, the mountains meet the sea with ancient mountains (500 million years old) thrusting skywards.
Day 8: Return to Inverness
After breakfast, we will drive south to Inverness. We should arrive by mid-morning to join return flight connections home, or overnight accommodation (additional cost) in Inverness for a more relaxed departure the following day.
Related Testimonials
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James M., Ranch Palos Verdes CA had this to say about Bike across Scotland:
Okay, we didn't spot Nessie, but the views of the Lochs were breathaking nevertheless! -
James M., Ranch Palos Verdes CA had this to say about Bike across Scotland:
The inns were are wonderfully intimate and charming, and seafood really fresh. And well-earned after rides like Applecross!
