Scottish Highlands Cycle
8 Days Starting in Inverness, Scotland and ending in Pitlochry, Scotland
Visiting: Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Pitlochry
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
14-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Scottish Highlands Cycle tour, a self-guided journey through Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Inverness, you'll cycle along the shores of Loch Ness, visit historic castles, and explore whisky distilleries. Enjoy a rest day in Fort William with options to climb Ben Nevis or go mountain biking. The tour includes 7 nights in charming 3-4 star accommodations, daily Scottish breakfasts, and bicycle hire with all necessary equipment. Your luggage will be transferred between inns, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and rich history of the Highlands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: Family-run villa guesthouse
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.
Day 2 : To Drumnadrochit 39Km/24Miles
Location: Drumnadrochit
Accommodation Name: B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : To Fort Augustus 37Km/23Miles
Location: Fort Augustus
Accommodation Name: Small family-run bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : To Fort William 55Km/34Miles
Location: Fort William
Accommodation Name: Family-run B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Fort William: Free Day, Option To Climb Ben Nevis; Scotland's Highest Peak, 1344M/ 4410Ft
Location: Fort William
Accommodation Name: Family-run B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : To Pitlochry 60Km/37Miles
Location: Pitlochry
Accommodation Name: Welcoming guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Pitlochry: Free Day, Cycle Options 22Km/14 Miles Or 45Km/28 Miles
Location: Pitlochry
Accommodation Name: Welcoming guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Pitlochry
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3-4 star hotel and guesthouse -
7 full Scottish breakfasts
Enjoy 7 full Scottish breakfasts during your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in 3-4* bed & breakfast accommodation on a twin share basis with private facilities
Stay for 7 nights in 3-4 star bed & breakfast accommodations, sharing a twin/double room with private facilities. Upgrade options to 3-4* Hotels/Inns are available.
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One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg
One piece of luggage per person will be transferred from Inn to Inn, with a weight limit of 20kg.
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Train ticket Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6
A train ticket from Fort William to Rannoch is included on Day 6.
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Map, GPX files, travel documentation and emergency support service
Receive a map, GPX files, travel documentation, and access to an emergency support service.
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Bike hire for 6 days
Bike hire for 6 days includes 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 are available for an additional supplement.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Inverness / Pitlochry
Travel to and from Inverness / Pitlochry is not included.
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Drinks, lunches and dinners
Drinks, lunches, and dinners are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Cycle guide
This is a self-guided cycling trip; a cycle guide is not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Unscheduled transfers
Unscheduled transfers are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Option to upgrade your accommodation
The option to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4* Hotels/Inns is available but not included.
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Transfers
Transfers are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3-4 star hotel and guesthouse. 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. It is possible to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4* Hotels/Inns.
Grading
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Inverness / Pitlochry. Includes a train ticket from Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6. 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).
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
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, guesthouses, farmhouses, or private houses are used, with an emphasis 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. It is possible to upgrade your accommodation to 3-4 star Hotels/Inns.
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What is included in the bike hire?
The bike hire for 6 days includes 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 are also available for an additional supplement.
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What are the options for the free day in Fort William?
On the free day in Fort William, you can 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.
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What are the cycling options on the free day in Pitlochry?
On the free day in Pitlochry, there are two interesting loop rides prepared for you. You can cycle to Blair Atholl and visit Blair Castle, or cycle to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld. Additionally, you can explore the quaint town of Pitlochry, shop at the thriving town center, visit one of the two whisky distilleries, or see the Dam and Fish Ladder.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will make your own way to Inverness. In the evening, there will be a route briefing and you will collect your bikes. You can also visit the Garrison Castle Encounter to learn about the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.
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What is the terrain like on the third and fourth days of cycling?
On the third day, the terrain includes stony paths with some steep hills, offering beautiful views of Loch Ness and the mountains. On the fourth day, there are two options: the standard route involves the Caledonian Canal towpath and forest tracks, while the easier route for e-bikes follows the Sustrans Caledonian Way cycle route 78.
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Is luggage transport provided during the tour?
Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, is transferred from Inn to Inn.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 full Scottish breakfasts. Drinks, lunches, and dinners are not included.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate to challenging (Grade 4). It involves 6 days of cycling usually along backroads and field paths with minimal car traffic, although some short distances will have heavier traffic. The mileages are short but the terrain on days 3 and 4 includes stony paths, and day 2 has the steepest climb at 1050 feet.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.