Highland Coast to Coast

Day 1 – Aberdeen to Ballater

We meet at Aberdeen Train Station this morning and begin our journey across Scotland. A short van transfer takes us to our start point, on the shores of the North Sea. After a group welcome, bike fitting session and a briefing for the day, we set off – leaving the city of Aberdeen behind us as we roll along the quiet South Deeside roads. We take lunch along the way and after refuelling, we continue along the River Dee, leading us to the village of Ballater and the end of our first day’s ride. (L, D)

Ride details:  72 km/45 miles | 713 m/2,340 ft elevation gain

Day 2 – Cairngorms National Park

Today we ride through the UK’s largest and highest National Park. There are a few hills to contend with today with challenging ascents but the exciting descents and superb views more than reward the effort required on the climbs. After a stiff climb over the Lecht pass, we’ll stop in the village of Tomintoul – the highest in the Highlands. It’s also home to one of Scotland’s best whisky shops which is well worth a visit. Most of the hard work is done for the day as we make our way to the village of Grantown-on-Spey, where we will stay tonight. (B, L, D)

Ride details:  72 km/45 miles | 1,123 m/3,687 ft elevation gain

Day 3 – Grantown-on-Spey to Loch Ness

Today’s ride takes us right off the beaten track. The day starts easily with a pleasant ride through the villages of Dulnain Bridge and Carrbridge before we strike west up the Findhorn Valley. Following a fantastic country road, we climb over the challenging Garbole where the views of the Highlands open up. The route then descends to the village of Farr and follows quiet backroads to reach the shores of Loch Ness. From here we enjoy a treat as we board a zodiac for a high-speed trip on Loch Ness. We pass the beautiful Urquhart Castle, its ruins perched right on the edge of the loch. The RIB drops us in Urquhart Bay where our accommodation is a short distance away in the village of Drumnadrochit. (B, L, D)

Ride details:  85 km/53 miles |  997 m/3,272 ft elevation gain

Day 4 – Drumnadrochit to Contin

We set off from Drumnadrochit this morning and head west through beautiful Glen Urquhart, passing the Balmacaan Forest. Turning northeast, we pedal down a lovely wooded road through the area known as Strathglass, catching glimpses of the River Glass as it curves its way down the valley. We reach the picturesque village of Beauly, a village steeped in history and thought to have been named after a comment on its beauty by Mary Queen of Scots. Passing by the imposing Beauly Priory, one of three priories founded in Scotland in about 1230 for monks of the Valliscaulian order, the last few miles wind through the attractive countryside to our accommodation secluded in the hills above Contin. (B, L, D)

Ride details:  66 km/41 miles | 752 m/2,467 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - To the West Highlands

After setting out this morning, we transfer to just past the village of Garve, and then we ride on to Achnasheen, where the landscape becomes more mountainous. After some wild miles, we climb away from the shores of Loch a’Chroisg, rewarded with one of the finest views you will find anywhere – right down the length of the spectacular Loch Maree. The descent is an absolute blast on a perfect road surface, and before long, we will find ourselves at Kinlochewe. The final section of the day passes through the dramatic Glen Torridon. The scenery here is hard to beat with the majestic mountains of Liathach and Beinn Eighe thrusting skywards. As we gently climb across the watershed, we get our first glimpse of the west coast. We end the day with an overnight stay in the village of Shieldaig. (B, L, D)

Ride details:  68.5 km/42 miles |  604 m/1,981 ft elevation gain

Day 6 – The Applecross Peninsula

Today we ride south from Shieldaig through the hills on a winding single-track road before reaching the start of our final, challenging climb – The Bealach na Ba. Famous and spectacular, the road is alpine in nature, crossing the rugged peak of Beinn Bhàn. Starting from sea level and rising through a series of ramps, hairpins and switchbacks to the summit at 626m (2,054ft) over a 10 km/6 mile climb, the road reaches gradients of up to 20% in places! Once at the top, though, it’s an incredible view of the sea ahead of us and downhill to the coast. Having cycled from Coast to Coast, a celebratory lunch awaits us at the fantastic Applecross Inn. Looking across the sea to the Isle of Skye, it’s the perfect place to take a moment to appreciate a fantastic trip. You shouldn’t be ready for it to end just yet though we still have the lumpy ride around the peninsula back to Sheildaig to enjoy. (B, L, D)

Ride details:  72 km/45 miles | 1,427 m/4,683 ft elevation gain

Day 7 - Transfer to Inverness, then depart

This morning we will have a leisurely breakfast before transferring back to Inverness. The journey takes us around 1.5 hours, arriving into the city around 12 noon, allowing you plenty of time to connect with onward transport. On the way home you’ll have a chance to reflect on what will surely be a most memorable adventure. (B)