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. A riverside lunch awaits us in the picturesque village of Banchory. 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)

Distance: 64km / 40 miles, Ascent: 670m / 2,189ft

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)

Distance: 93km/ 58 miles Ascent: 1342m/ 4,405ft

Day 3 – Grantown-on-Spey to Fort Augustus

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 then follows quiet backroads alongside the shores of Loch Ness. A fantastic 5 mile descent awaits as the finish to the day, dropping us down to the shores of Loch Ness Followed by a short transfer to our accommodation in the village of Drumnadrochit. (B, L, D)

Distance: 88km/ 55 miles Ascent: 1009m/ 3,312 ft

Day 4 – Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

We enjoy a relaxed morning in the village of Drumnadrochit. Mid-morning, we enjoy a treat as we board a zodiac for a high speed trip on Loch Ness, passing beautiful Urquhart Castle, its ruins perched right on the edge of the loch. Back on land, we bypass a short but busy section of road and start riding again from near the castle – we’re now back on two wheels for the remainder of the day. Our route from Drumnadrochit heads west, passing the Balmacaan Forest, and follows a lovely road alongside the River Glass towards the village of Beauly. The last few miles wind through the attractive countryside to our accommodation secluded in the hills above Contin. (B, L, D)

Distance: 65km/ 41 miles Ascent: 594m/ 1,950 ft

Day 5 - To the West Highlands

After setting out this morning we pass through Garve and then on to Achnasheen, with the landscape becomes more mountainous around us. 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)

Distance: 69km/ 43 miles Ascent: 596m/ 1,958 ft

Day 6 – The Applecross Peninsula

Today we will start with a warm up on the fantastic coastal road from Torridon to Shieldaig. We then ride south 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 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 all the way to the coast and journey’s end. 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 relax after a tough day and an amazing trip. This is the official finish of the route, but for anyone who’s not ready for it to end yet, you still have the option of riding around the peninsula back to Shieldaig. (B, L, D)

Distance: 40km/ 25 miles Ascent: 973m/ 3,193 ft

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)