Mountain Biking - Coast to Coast
ITINERARY 
Mountain Biking Coast to Coast Across Scotland
Our coast to coast mountain biking itinerary is an absolute epic and, without a doubt, one of our favourite trips. It features 7 days of superb riding from Aberdeen in the east to Ardnamurchan in the west. Our pioneering route covers 400km and over 4000m of ascent and descent and is the ultimate coast to coast mountain bike ride in the UK.
The trails are as varied as the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands and range from flowing singletrack to rocky and challenging mountain passes to mellow forest fire-road. Beginning in Aberdeen, we leave the city behind and ride all the way across the Highlands through the backcountry to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Britain. This is a truly superb multi-day mountain bike ride offering world class riding through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands.
Why choose the Wilderness Scotland Coast to Coast?
With many coast to coast itineraries out there, how do you know which one's best? Through 20years+ of experience, knowledge and passion, we believe our trip is the one to choose. Hopefully the following facts will help you make up your mind:
- Our 400km route is 90%+ off-road and we have made it our mission not just to get from a to b, but to ride the best trails along the way.
- Over the years, we have ridden all the alternatives and know that the route we have devised offers the best riding, scenery and challenge. Unlike other routes, ours is genuinely coast to coast - from the North Sea to the crashing surf of the Atlantic at Ardnamurchan Point.
- We have invested in finding the best accommodation and food partners for the trip based upon our detailed knowledge and experience of the region. No other company offers such a high standard of accommodation and food throughout the trip.
- Our guides are from the Highlands and know the trails inside out. Riding with them, you can sure of discovering the best riding, perhaps developing your skills and, for sure, having a lot of fun.
START POINT - EDINBURGH 0830
END POINT - EDINBURGH 1330
Journalist and writer Rob Penn completed the Coast to Coast trip recently. To read his account of his trip in The Guardian, click here.
If you don't think that this is the right trip for you, click on this link to view our other mountain bike holidays in Scotland.
Mountain Biking Coast to Coast - Planned Itinerary
Day One – City of Aberdeen to Dinnet
After a pick up in Edinburgh, we transfer to the East Coast City of Aberdeen where we begin our mountain bike journey west across Scotland. We ride through Royal Deeside, following the route of the old railway line built for Queen Victoria. After lunch we begin a steady climb into the hills before descending some of Scotland's finest singletrack to Glen Tanar and the village of Dinnet. Distance 60km. Ascent 595m.
Day Two – Dinnet to Tomintoul via Glen Builg
A classic day of riding takes us into the heart of the Cairngorms and through Glens Gairn and Avon. This is wild country and a real mountain experience. Overnight in Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. Distance 60km. Ascent 775m.
Day Three – Through the Cairngorms
A long and unforgettable day through the mighty Cairngorms massif. Some big mountain climbs, twisting forest trails and magical singletrack lead us Glen Feshie, where we cross Inshriach Forest to Kingussie. Distance 60km. Ascent 685m.
Day Four – To Fort Augustus over the Corrieyarick Pass
Following the River Spey towards its source, we climb into the remote Monadhliath Mountains via the Corrieyarick Pass. This is the route's highest point at 775m. An hour long rock-strewn descent leads into Fort Augustus located on the shores of Loch Ness. Distance 50km. Ascent 970m.
Day Five – Fort Augustus to Fort William
An easier day - off road cruising down the Great Glen passing Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Our destination is Fort William - outdoor capital of the UK. Distance 52km. Ascent 540m.
Day Six – Fort William to Strontian
The morning begins with a short journey across Loch Linnhe to Camusnagaul. Following the shorelines of Loch Eil and Shiel our lunchtime destination is the beautiful River Polloch. From here the route takes one of the steepest road climbs in Britain - 400m of ascent in 3km! The downhill cruise into Strontian is adequate reward with great views over the Western Seaboard. Distance 55km. Ascent 675m.
Day Seven – Strontian to Ardnamurchan Point
A great final day. From Strontian we head west, soon joining a beautiful coastline trail and then heading into the hills. This is one of the best singletrack sections of the route and the views of the Islands are simply amazing on a clear day. After lunch we cruise the final short section of road to our final destination Ardnamurchan Point! Celebratory dinner and drinks in Strontian. Distance 58km. Ascent 940m.
Day Eight – Return to Edinburgh
Following breakfast we load the vehicle and bikes and enjoy a leisurely 4 hour journey back to Edinburgh, arriving around lunchtime.
For a detailed itinerary and trips information please see our PDF Trip Dossier
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