Scotland Experiences

Day 1: Aberdeen to Ballater

Early morning meet and greet at Aberdeen Train Station this morning. We begin our journey across Scotland.  A transfer takes us to our start point, on the shores of the North Sea. We begin with a  group welcome, bike fit out and a briefing from your guide. This is followed by a bike ride along the quiet South Deeside roads, arriving at the scenic village of Banchory in time for a riverside lunch.  The riverside bike ride continues,  along the River Dee, leading us to the village of Ballater. A wlecome dinner awaits. (L, D)

Distance: 64km / 40 miles, Ascent: 670m / 2,189ft

Day 2: Biking in Cairngorms National Park

This morning, there are a few hills, including some challenging climbs rewarded with superb descents. Climbing over the Lecht pass you take a break Tomintoul village, the highest village in the Highlands. It’s also home to one of Scotland’s best whisky shops which is well worth a visit. This is followed with an easy end of day ride to the village of Grantown on Spey and your overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Distance: 93km/ 58 miles Ascent: 1342m/ 4,405ft

Day 3: Grantown-on-Spey to Fort Augustus

Today starts easily with a pleasant ride through the villages of Dulnain Bridge and Carrbridge.  Following a fantastic country road, we climb over the challenging Garbole where the views of the Highlands open up. A quick descent to the village of Farr, followed by quiet backroads alongside the iconic shores of Loch Ness. We love our 5 mile descent to end the day, dropping us down to the shores of Loch Ness. From here, we transfer to our accommodation in the village of Drumnadrochit.  A well earned dinner awaits. (B, L, D)

Distance: 88km/ 55 miles Ascent: 1009m/ 3,312 ft

Day 4:  Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

This morning is a restful start. Mid-morning, we board a zodiac for a high speed trip on Loch Ness, passing historical Urquhart Castle, nestled on the shores of the loch. This is followed with a bike ride  along a lovely road alongside the River Glass.  We wind our way through the countryside to our accommodation secluded in the hills above Contin. (B, L, D)

Distance: 65km/ 41 miles Ascent: 594m/ 1,950 ft

Day 5: Into West Highlands

This morning we climb away from the shores of Loch a’Chroisg, rewarded with one of the finest views right down the length of the spectacular Loch Maree. This descent is an absolute blast on a perfect road surface arriving at Kinlochewe. Late afternoon we ride  through the dramatic Glen Torridon. Here, the scenery offeres us the majestic mountains of Liathach and Beinn Eighe. We gently climb across the watershed, we get our first glimpse of the west coast. We end the day in the village of Shieldaig, your overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Distance: 69km/ 43 miles Ascent: 596m/ 1,958 ft

Day 6: The Applecross Peninsula

This mornings ride is a coastal one from Torridon to Shieldaig. We continue south through the hills on a winding single track road reaching the start of our final, challenging climb: The Bealach na Ba. Alpine in nature, this route crosses the rugged peak of Beinn Bhàn. Starting from sea level and rising through a series of ramps, hairpins and switchbacks to the summit at 626m (2,054ft) over a 6 mile climb. From the summit the views are panoramic, stretching accross the sea downhill all the way to the coast and journey’s end. Your Coast to Coast journey ends with a celebratory lunch at the legendary Applecross Inn. With views over the sea to the Isle of Skye, it’s the perfect end to an amazing trip.  (B, L, D)

Distance: 40km/ 25 miles Ascent: 973m/ 3,193 ft

Day 7: Farewell

Sadly today we bid you farewll. This morning we will have a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Inverness. The journey takes us around 1.5 hours, arriving into the city around 12 noon. You continue with your onward journey from here. (B)