Mountain Biking Holidays

Pre-Trip Service
Clear, friendly communication from staff, who seemed fully aware of the trip details.

Trip Comments
Fabulous mountain biking in three superb areas, Harris, Skye and Torridon; very good accommodation, and absolutely excellent leadership - skilled, relaxed and warm.

Accommodation and Food
All three places were very good and appropriate for the trip. Friendly, helpful staff, good food and decent beer!

Your Guide
Graham led the trip with warmth, skill and a relaxed sense of fun. Following him down bouldery trails was inspiring, if challenging!

The Bottom Line
Great trip, great experience and great value.

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Pre-Trip Service
For all info I needed, but had been helpful to know altitude for the each day ride

Trip Comments
Flexible guide divided the group so we got extra single track biking

Accommodation and Food
The first b&b had a grumpy host and very small rooms. The others were much better.

Your Guide
They both did a great job, flexible

The Bottom Line
Great way to see Scotland!

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Trip Comments
The guides were exceptional. They were thoughtful and conscientious with a great sense of humour. They shared they ove and knowledge of Scotland with passion. The lunches were healthy and fulfilling with a nice variety of Scottish delicacies. They manage to create a nice friendly atmosphere amongst a group of strangers. They were very attentive to everyone's needs and encouraging everyone to do their best. Tim and Graham truly love what they do and enjoy sharing their passion with us.

Accommodation and Food
Some accommodations were awesome (Fort williams for example) others were not so great (Tomintoul). Some breakfast were decadent and others not so much...

Your Guide
The guides were exceptional. They were thoughtful and conscientious with a great sense of humour. They shared they ove and knowledge of Scotland with passion. The lunches were healthy and fulfilling with a nice variety of Scottish delicacies. They manage to create a nice friendly atmosphere amongst a group of strangers. They were very attentive to everyone's needs and encouraging everyone to do their best. Tim and Graham truly love what they do and enjoy sharing their passion with us.

The Bottom Line
Best trip of my life!!! Very well organized... Lots of life lessons learned... but the key takeaway is "sometimes giving up is just not an option, you have to keep going"....

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Pre-Trip Service
Liked the respons; quick, clear and polite

Trip Comments
Every day was different, challenging every day, excellent guides Tim and Graham, the sceneries and landscape was fantastic

Accommodation and Food
Ok accomodation

Your Guide
Graham and Tim did a great job !!

The Bottom Line
Continue as per today and keep the qualitylevel high
Thanks for fantasic days in Scotland !!

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Pre-Trip Service
We were on the trip from Aberdeen to Ardnamurchan and we knew that there would be a bit of planning involved because it is a one-way trip. We encountered some issues during trip planning because we were bringing our own bikes - there were railworks between Dice and Aberdeen which meant that we could not take our bikes with us on the train. We found the Wilderness Scotland office staff to not be helpful at all. In the end everything got resolved (we dropped off our bikes at Wilderness Scotland headquarters the day before the trip started, drove to Inverness, parked there and took the train & bus to Aberdeen), but it should not have taken endless emails to come up with a solution. We paid to not have to worry about organising the trip and ended up worrying about the logistics for the trip and spending a lot of time resolving the issue.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks for your feedback regarding this. I’m sorry you felt like the customer service was poor especially because we did go out of our way to help including storing and transporting equipment for you before the trip was due to start. I do understand it took a few emails to get to this solution but when your travelling companion first emailed to ask for advice we tried to call to chat through possible options. We were told that there wasn’t time to speak on the phone and we would have to email. This is no problem at all but then it did then take several emails to get all the information we needed to be able to help. Looks like you had a great time on the trip over and enjoyed your time riding in Scotland.

Accommodation and Food
The accommodations were all great and made up a big part of the Scottish experience.

Your Guide
Lucy and Craig were the best guides we could have wished for - very knowledgeable and always keen to give us the best possible experience. And also super helpful - be it organising stamps for sending post cards or getting our bike fixed.

The Bottom Line
We had an amazing time on the trip - we could not have wished for better guides. Lucy and Craig were knowledgeable, very helpful and fun! The route was excellent - we cycled from the east coast of Scotland to the west coast and did not see many people along the way. It was a great way to experience Scotland. The hills were purple with heather and we were also very lucky with the weather - it only rained one evening briefly. Overall it was a fantastic experience.

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The Bottom Line
Exciting, enervating, challenging, fulfilling, relaxing, and a great social get together with Fillow mountain bikers

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Pre-Trip Service
All my questions regarding gear, trip difficulty, and transferring within country were answered and all the information I received turned out to be right on the mark.

Trip Comments
Everything about the trip was fantastic. Dave and Tim always had interesting information on the flora and fauna and the history of the towns and villages we were in, and even stories about the trails we were on. The lunch and coffee breaks were always enjoyable in great locations. The Rhenigidale Loop "climb" and descent is something I will never forget.

Accommodation and Food
The places we stayed were very nice and comfortable. The meals were also always excellent. Absolutely nothing to dislike.

Your Guide
Dave and Tim were superb. They answered all our questions, often repeatedly, with patience and thought and I always felt comfortable asking anything I wanted. They were fun and engaging, and kept us going with encouragement and snacks! They were very knowledgable about the trails, routes and the country and I enjoyed talking with them very much. They really went above and beyond and I feel fortunate to have had them on my trip.

The Bottom Line
It really was the trip of a lifetime. It was a physical challenge that I feel boosted my biking confidence, and at the same time it was a relaxing getaway to a magical land. Scotland is simply amazing and jaw-droppingly beautiful, and WS does it justice in taking you to places where you can fully appreciate all it has to offer. 100% recommend and hope to join them on another adventure soon. Thank you.

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Pre-Trip Service
Everything was spot on. Any questions I had were answered via phone or email almost always within a day

Your Guide
Tim and Graham were excellent throughout the entire trip. Dry wit, good riding tips, historical and geographical knowledge were excellent.

The Bottom Line
I had a done a prior trip with Wilderness Scotland was expecting the company and the guides to be excellent. The 2nd time around was even better than the first. I had multiple friends and family members following the trip from back home and the daily upload of photos from the guides while actually on the trip was a big success back home. The details of the trip (miles, climbing meters per day, etc) was very helpful in pre-trip training plans. My bike rental was excellent and far exceeded my expectations. I cannot give a higher recommendation to Wilderness Scotland, their staff and their guides.

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Pre-Trip Service
Always available with needed information an advice.

Trip Comments
The guides were the hi-lite of the trip along with the terrain.

The Bottom Line
My wife an I enjoyed ourselves. We thought the guides were great.

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Pre-Trip Service
I had questions along the way and your folks were johnny on the spot, always calling or emailing back and quick with answers or suggestions.

Trip Comments
Physically challenging, which frankly, surprised me. You set us up for success by telling us to expect long hard days. I know it is hard on the guides, but being able to just get up, eat, be at the car or on my bike and not THINK about where/how, made this a relaxing experience. Guides were knowledgable, great at moderating the group...meeting the front group to talk about flowers while others caught up, etc. Dave and Tim were fantastic.

Accommodation and Food
The Hibredian, on Harris, was LOUD. The rest were stellar. Clean, cute, good views, great food.

Your Guide
David and Tim - they put up with so much! It's hard to get 8 adults to do ANYTHING on time. But they did. Ok...it took a day but...

They were funny, knowledgable, strong and confident enough to make us feel confident in uncomfortable circumstances (the "carry"!!). Cannot say enough. They made the trip.

The Bottom Line
This was my 50th birthday trip. We booked it months out and had plenty of time to build it up in our minds. The trip did not disappoint. It was equal parts challenging, stunning, exhilarating, and relaxing. We made new friends and saw a part of the world we would not have set off to on our own. Worth every single cent and then some.

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Pre-Trip Service
Knowledgeable, informative aand helpful customer service

Trip Comments
Great guides, professional and personable. Also, a great group of fellow travellers who collctively added to a wonderful experience.

Your Guide
Professional and personable - Graham and Amanda cultivated a friendly, open approach. Sara, who is a member of the office team but was on the trip as a participant, was also an excellent ambassador for Wilderness Scotland.

The Bottom Line
Memorable trip to beautiful, wild places; well-designed, well-led, well-supported.

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Pre-Trip Service
Any doubts that I had was promptly answered. We had no problems.

Trip Comments
The trip was fantastic. Day one was like a warm up. Days 2, 3 and 4 were amazing, great landscapes, 6 hours without see anybody, challenging terrain and weather .. Day 5 was to give a brake to the legs and day 6 was the grand finale.
We had great fun, our group of 8 people was fantastic. Steve, Paul, Jonathan and Mark, Our guides, Graham and Neil, very prepared, know every place in details, and like every other Scot that we met, very friendly. That was something very nice to discover, Thank you people from Scotland to receive this “Brazilian team” so well.
It is really an adventure, for those who want to ride a mountain bike in an beautiful part of the world. It’s not a trip to see castles, stops in distilleries, Be phisically prepared, it will be very hard sometimes, but you don’t want to be a pro to do it.
We rent the bikes (full suspension, 27,5, and worked very well, every day Graham and Neil prepared for us).
The places that we stopped were very cozy. Good to take a hot shower, a whisky and good food and rest for the other day.
So, we are very happy to did it.

Accommodation and Food
The place in Tomintoul was the best. But every place was very cozy, clean. In one or other day the room could be bigger, but it was not a real problem. The food in one day was ok, just it. I believe that it was in Newtonmore.

Your Guide
Excellent. They control very well the time, when we had mechanical problems the solution was very quick. Every one, I believe, had your time to take photos, enjoy the ride...

The Bottom Line
The trip is very well planned and managed. As I said, it is an adventure for those who loves the outdoor. And the Highlands is amazing, it is a “must do” trip if you wants to know Scotland.
Thanks Wilderness Scotland!

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Pre-Trip Service
Pre-trip service was generally helpful and timely. An issue arose about bike hire - I distinctly remember ordering hired bikes in the original reservation that this was not registered and needed a reordering of the bikes after I double checked the details fo the trip before final payment. In the end, the bikes were not exactly what we ordered and were mismatched for many parts of the trip

Trip Comments
The trip is epic crossing through beautiful countryside with very cozy and friendly accommodations.

Your Guide
Craig and Lucy were fantastic - they were both calm and efficient, very friendly and a real pleasure to be around. A truly excellent team!

The Bottom Line
Excellent trip with a fantastic team of guides.

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The Bottom Line
Fantastic

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Trip Comments
Such a fantastic route, every day was another adventure.

Accommodation and Food
I'm not keen on B&B's with shared bathrooms.

Your Guide
Tim Francis was excellent. Very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Stuart went out of his way to make sure we had excellent lunches on our trip too.

The Bottom Line
An epic mountain biking adventure across the breadth of Scotland with plenty of challenging hills, mountain tracks and single track. Arriving at Ardnamurchan lighthouse on the 6th day after a gruelling adventure truly felt like a special achievement for us all.

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Pre-Trip Service
Chantal and Rachel helped tremendously with pre trip details and were friendly and accessible

Trip Comments
Although I did not feel that the trip was “easy” and suitable for beginners, the cycling and terrain was incredibly beautiful.

Accommodation and Food
Although the accommodation was suitable at the price point we paid, I would be willing to pay more for air conditioning and more quiet. The host/owner at the guesthouse in Spean Bridge was the least hospitable host I have ever encountered

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE:

Thanks for your feedback. As you might be aware, Scotland experienced a heat wave this summer, and we've really never seen anything like it. As a consequence, it is very unusual to find places with air-con, as it is so rarely needed.

We are sorry to read your comments about the B&B you stayed at in Spean Bridge, as having met the owners in June, we found them to be very cheerful with a good sense of humour. We have passed on your comments to them, as we are sure they would be mortified to hear that they came across in this way.

Your Guide
Both Kelty and John were skilled,service oriented and very personable

The Bottom Line
Loved it

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Pre-Trip Service
Due to personal issues, I wasn't sure if I would be able to actually participate in the trip I had registered for and I found your team helpful in accommodating my needs in order allow me the extra time I needed to commit.

Accommodation and Food
Accommodations were sometimes cozy, sometimes luxurious, and always a pleasant surprise, never lacking any need or comfort.

Your Guide
Craig was of course a well-seasononed and professional guide, but more importantly, his personal character was a crucial asset to the success of the the trip by contributing to the social binding and general atmosphere between us all. Lucy of course was the natural complement, adding her own charm and kindness to the stew, making the trip not only a memorable biking adventure but a very pleasant sociable experience. Wilderness Scotland took care of the "ingredients", but Craig and Lucy made the magic!

The Bottom Line
A wonderful opportunity to experience the dream-like beauty and natural wonders of Scotland, all under the warm embrace of Wilderness Scotland which spoiled us with its pampering care, allowing us to concentrate on the ride, the views and the adventure. And hats off to their professional and kind crew - Lucy and Craig!

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Pre-Trip Service
The booking process was straightforward, the itinerary details thorough. I asked for guidance on things not addressed in the itinerary (e.g. where I might store a bike box during my trip) and didn't find the response useful (essentially, I got no solutions); it seemed like a pretty normal request for a bike trip.

Trip Comments
My guides were the BEST and made the trip the fantastic experience it was. They worked their tails off; were readily adaptable to unanticipated circumstances (e.g. weather, group ability); and were incredibly knowledgeable, courteous, and FUN/FUNNY!

I can personally mountain bike near my home any day; while the riding was awesome, I had more so sought immersion into less-traveled Scotland and local culture/ traditions... my guides, Graham and Amanda, created an experience that WAY exceeded my expectations!

Accommodation and Food
Nothing but positive feedback! LOVED that they places felt locally owned.

Your Guide
See my previous notes. Graham and Amanda were TOP NOTCH! Tenaciously hard workers as well as knowledgeable/skilled... energetic/enthusiastic... fun/funny... professional... patient! I would/will ask for them personally on any future trips, as well as confidently highly recommend them to anyone visiting Scotland.

The Bottom Line
A lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful, peaceful, friendly countries rich in refreshing simplicity, kindness, history, and tradition!

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Pre-Trip Service
Entered data on booking, then once again just prior to trip and staff still quoted details outdated since at least 3yrs previous. Poor handling by staff over interpretation of 'recommended' bike for trip.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks for your feedback. I am sorry to hear that, well look in to this.

Trip Comments
The scenery and mountain biking experience was second to none, and Graham is a very sure footed and pleasant leader to spend time with. Accommodation was ideal. There was rather too much bike pushing for my liking, probably fully rewarded for the access thus gained, and it would have been good to have some more people on the trip.

Your Guide
Graham is an excellent guide, clearly knowledgeable and competent to deal with pretty much every scenario. A little encouragement might have helped on some occasions when the going got tough.

The Bottom Line
Wilderness Scotland provide amazing opportunities for people to access some of the most stunning and wild countryside the country has to offer, and at the same time enjoy and develop mountain biking skills.

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Pre-Trip Service
Lack of interest from the office staff to help address the logistical difficulties of starting and finishing in a different place with the train service not taking bikes.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks for your feedback regarding this. I’m sorry you felt like the customer service was poor. I believe it is unfair to say that we weren’t interested in helping, this certainly was not the case, we did help as much as we could including storing and transporting equipment for you before the trip was due to start. I do understand it took a few emails to get to this solution but when your partner first emailed to ask for advice we tried to call to chat through possible options. We were told that there wasn’t time to speak on the phone and we would have to email. This is no problem at all but then it did then take several emails to get all the information we needed to be able to help. Looks like you had a great time on the trip over and enjoyed your time riding in Scotland.

Accommodation and Food
Some beds were very small.

Your Guide
Craig was excellent, detailed knowledge and history of the surroundings was a bonus.

The Bottom Line
The logistical difficulties inflicted on your clients by starting and finishing the trip in different places is not to be underestimated.
It's a downer.

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