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    Mountain Biking

    Coast to Coast

    116 reviews

    Next Trip: 17th - 23rd Jun 2023 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From £2,295 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Craig Little
    View Craig's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Mountain Biking
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 4 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £573.75 £573.75

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 129kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Our Coast to Coast Mountain Biking Trip is an epic adventure and undoubtedly one of our favourite trips. A week of superb riding takes you from the North Sea on the Aberdeenshire coast to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Our pioneering trail covers over 400km and traverses some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands. From incredible flowing singletrack to rocky mountain passes, mellow forest paths, to technical descents, it’s a stunning and engaging route forged by passion and experience. Having ridden all the alternatives, we know that our trail offers the absolute best riding through the most incredible scenery. Accompanied by an expert guide and arriving each evening to lovely accommodation and great food, there is no doubt that this is the ultimate Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Ride in the UK.

    Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details. 

    Trip Highlights

    • Voted one of the Trips of the Year by Outside Magazine.
    • The ultimate mountain bike ride in the UK traversing the Scottish Highlands from coast to coast.
    • 400km of superb riding from big mountain passes to ancient pine forest singletrack.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – City of Aberdeen to Aboyne

    We meet in Aberdeen where we begin our 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 continue to Dinnet, to ride some of the best-kept secret single-track on Deeside, through beautiful birch and pine forest. Our first night’s accommodation is in the charming village of Aboyne. (L, D)

    Distance: 60km Ascent: 675m Descent: 480m

    Day 2 – Aboyne to Tomintoul

    A classic day, typical of riding in the Scottish Highlands. In the morning we leave Aboyne behind, following the River Muick, rising slowly towards Lochnagar. Climbing over the shoulder of the mountain, we then drop down to explore the trails around Balmoral Estate.  Lunch is taken at Invercauld, followed by a long steady climb into wild Scottish countryside and a real mountain experience. Overnight in Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands. (B, L, D)

    Distance: 82km Ascent: 1230m Descent: 1090m

    Day 3 – Through the Cairngorms

    An unforgettable day through the wild Cairngorms. This is backcountry biking at its best in the Highlands, and we must ride through this wilderness regardless of the weather conditions. We head west from Tomintoul into remote country, first through ancient pine forest and then into the open hills. A challenging 10km of single-track leads us into the beautiful Glen Feshie, and then the Spey Valley and our stop for the night in Newtonmore. This is the most demanding day of the trip and one you are likely to remember for a long time. (B, L, D)

    Distance: 67km Ascent: 780m Descent: 880m

    Day 4 – From the East to the West Highlands

    From Newtonmore, we continue our journey west, following an old military road before taking the backdoor into Laggan. Here we stop for a coffee before we head into a remote glacial valley which passes through the heart of the mountains. Double track combined with single track to leads us on and into the West Highlands. We reach our accommodation for tonight in the village of Spean Bridge. (B, L, D)

    Distance: 70km Ascent: 720m Descent: 850m

    Day 5 – Spean Bridge to Acharacle

    The lower reaches of the Great Glen Way lead to Fort William where we take a short hop across Loch Linnhe. From here we journey to Loch Shiel, where we jump off our bikes and onto a boat for a private cruise down Loch Shiel (with a beer in hand!). Back on land, it’s an easy 200m roll to our hotel. (B, L, D)

    Distance: 65km Ascent: 450m Descent: 550m

    Day 6 – Acharacle to Ardnamurchan Point

    A great final day as we cover all types of terrains. From our hotel, we head west, soon joining a beautiful coastline trail and then heading into the hills. The views of the islands are simply amazing on a clear day. After lunch we tackle the final short section of road and coastline single-track to our final destination, Ardnamurchan Point – the most westerly point on the UK mainland! Celebratory dinner and drinks in Acharacle. (B, L, D)

    Distance: 46km Ascent: 820m Descent: 820m

    Day 7 – Return to Inverness

    After breakfast, we load the vehicle and bike trailer and enjoy a leisurely 3.5 hour journey back to Inverness. Here you can catch your onward travel, and on the way home you’ll have a chance to reflect on what will surely be a memorable experience! (B)

    X
    Mountain Biking
    Coast to Coast

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Trip Dates & Prices

    Trip Dates for 2023AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    17th Jun - 23rd Jun 20234 places leftCONFIRMED£2,295Book Now
    22nd Jul - 28th Jul 20233 places leftCONFIRMED£2,295Book Now
    19th Aug - 25th Aug 20234 places leftCONFIRMED£2,295Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex.

    Single Rooms

    If you request a room for single occupancy, a supplement of £430 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    This is an ‘All Inclusive’ trip.
    Breakfast each morning will be provided at your accommodation. Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/restaurant. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Included dinners are two courses as standard.
    Evening meals are included, and on this itinerary and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the routes.

    On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in locally-owned guest house and small hotels.
    • All meals as stated in itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • All transport throughout the trip, starting in Aberdeen and finishing in Inverness.
    • Private boat trip on beautiful Loch Shiel.
    • A support vehicle & trailer throughout.
    • The services of qualified and experienced mountain bike guides and assistant guide/support driver throughout your trip.
    • All group safety and bike maintenance equipment.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Red Graded 7-9

    Red graded trips are suitable only for fit and experienced riders who love cycling and enjoy the challenge of longer days in the saddle, riding for consecutive days.

    Distances range from 40 – 70 miles each day. We will ride a variety of terrain from rolling countryside to hilly and mountainous areas. Most days will be challenging and the trip will include some of the more testing climbs in Scotland including high mountain passes. These harder climbs are rewarded with fast and exciting descents. We will often be in the saddle for 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches plus visits to some sites of interest.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Aberdeen Railway Station at 9:00am on Day 1 of your trip. At the end of the trip you have the option of being dropped at Fort William Railway Station for 10:30am or at Inverness Railway Station at 1:30pm.

    For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Jane Gillies

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Jane a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Red Graded Mountain Biking Holidays 7-9

    Our red graded trips are designed for regular mountain bikers with a high level of both fitness and riding skill. You can expect up to 8 hours of riding each day through a wide variety of terrain. Although unlikely, there is the potential for longer days under certain conditions. Distances covered will be in the range of 50km-70km each day and this will normally include significant ascent and descent. You may need to plan some pre-trip preparation to build your stamina to cope with being in the saddle for consecutive days.

    Trail conditions will vary from easy trails to rocky land-rover tracks and technical single-track. The single-track will often be technical requiring a good skill set. The hardest trips in this grade will challenge even the most skilled rider with rock gardens, drop offs and steep ascents and descents.

    Compare mountain biking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.87 out of 5 based on 116 reviews of Mountain Biking – Coast to Coast

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    MS

    Michael Sanders

    Reviewed on 18/05/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: Netherlands
    Trip Date: 06/05/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    It was a great experience to explore the wilderness in Scotland this way. With fine guides and a good group, it was a great trip

    SE

    Shane Edmonds

    Reviewed on 16/05/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 06/05/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    It was a very good trip and I really enjoyed it.

    LL

    Lisa Litt

    Reviewed on 02/08/2022

    Age: 50 - 60
    Trip Date: 02/07/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    The Scottish Highlands are an amazingly beautiful place to see by mountain bike! Just be prepared to hike your bike through the rivers and over some really rocky terrain!

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