Bike Across Scotland

Day 1 – Transfer and Warm-up Ride

We start our trip in Aviemore this morning and kick off the trip by going for a warmup ride in the Cairngorms National Park. Your guide will ensure your bike is all set up for the week ahead and then we get out on the trails. The trails offer the perfect introduction to the week, as well as superb views of the hills and forests of the Cairngorms. Afterwards, we transfer west to Spean Bridge where we settle into our hotel and enjoy our first dinner as a group. (L, D)

Distance: Flexible, depending on which trails we ride, approx 2-3 hours riding

Day 2 – The Journey Begins

Our hotel is located 15km from Fort William, so today we do a loop ride, giving us the chance to ride some fun trails in the forest on the outward loop, before starting our cross-country journey at Fort William and riding back to our hotel. In the morning, we ride directly from the hotel and follow trails through Leanachan Forest, home to the Mountain Bike World Cup. This is a great place to learn how to ride new trail features such as berms, rolling and flowing twists and turns, and maybe even some boardwalks! (B, L, D)

Distance: 45km, approx 4-5 hours riding

Day 3 – Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus

We ride from the hotel, initially returning to the canal before following a remote forest trail on the west side of Loch Lochy. We emerge at the Laggan Locks, where we stop for lunch at an old barge which has been converted into a quirky cafe. After lunch, we cross the swing bridge and, by the banks of Loch Oich, take on the first big climb of the trip. This takes us into forest above the village of Invergarry, where we are rewarded for our efforts by superb views of Loch Oich and the surrounding hills. From here, the hard work is done and we enjoy a fun descent to the village of Fort Augustus, located on the banks of Loch Ness. With plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants to choose from, this makes a great overnight stop. (B, L, D)

Distance: 41km, approx 4-5 hours riding

Day 4 – Fort Augustus to Drumnadrochit

A memorable day as we ride high above the banks of Loch Ness. Today is perhaps the most challenging day of the trip as we climb through the forest to reach the open moors high above Loch Ness. The hard work is worth it though because what goes up must come down! We enjoy a fun descent to Invermoriston, which is a natural place for a break. Afterwards, we follow the lochside more closely before the final climb of the day. The hard work now done, enjoy an easy coast down into the Highland village of Drumnadrochit. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the village, with a trip to nearby Urquhart Castle a popular choice, or you can check out the Loch Ness Monster Museum! (B, L, D)

Distance: 36km, approx 4-5 hours riding

Day 5 – Drumnadrochit to Inverness

Your final day of riding takes you from the shores of Loch Ness to the capital of the Highlands – Inverness.  It’s long enough to present a final challenge but short enough to ensure that we have the energy to celebrate our achievement later on. There is a climb and it comes at the start of the day – always the best time to take on a climb! We are rewarded with fantastic views down the Great Glen, and with the knowledge that it’s all downhill from here! We follow fun single track trails down through the forest, with great views towards Inverness and, beyond the city, across the blue expanse of the Moray Firth. Arriving into Inverness, we cycle alongside the river and through a network of islands linked by bridges, before arriving at our finish point outside Inverness Castle.  We will then transfer back to Aviemore for our final dinner together, and to celebrate a wonderful trip. (B, L, D)

Distance: 40km, approx 4-5 hours riding

Day 6 – Depart Aviemore

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you are free to make your way home. (B)