Pre-Trip Service
We had initially booked a trip for the summer of 2021 but with Covid rampaging its way through the world it was, of course, and for good reason, postponed. Your company allowed us to choose to be refunded or to hold the money for a future trip. We elected to hold for a future trip. We were in contact with the office fairly regularly during the next year as we tried to second-guess the possibility of touring this summer. With the various requirements and uncertainties of whether we'd even be allowed travel from the US to Scotland our final payment deadline was moved a couple of times. We had a million questions and your office did its level best to answer them. We appreciate your patience, your flexibility, and care for everyone during the recent pandemic and all the issues that have come along with it.
Trip Comments
The absolute best part of the trip was simply getting to come! Every day we rode was a new adventure, a new challenge, and fun - even the windy, rainy days. We did the ride from Inverness to Edinburgh and were simply bowled over by the variety built in to each day's ride. It's a treat to have all our luggage managed, be met on the road periodically by one of the guides who had set up "van coffee" for us, encourage us along, or provide a boost along stretches that were just too much for this Flatlander to manage. On our final full day of riding we were given a choice of two distances and we chose the shorter route, only to add an extra 8 miles when we realized we would be visiting the Kelpies but not the Falkirk Wheel. So we added a loop to the Wheel - because it truly is a wonder and we were too close NOT to go! Thanks to Scott and Will for allowing this minor deviation to the route!
Accommodation & Food
The mix of interesting older buildings and newer accommodations was really nice. I would have liked to have more historical information about some of the older places we stayed. They were lovely and I'm sure they had interesting stories. As is likely common in older buildings the showers weren't always great; water pressure varied from just right to not very much. That said, all the spaces were well appointed, tidy and clean, and for a single night's stay were perfect.
Your Guide
Will and Scott were knowledgeable, gracious, engaging, patient, encouraging, and just good fun to be around! There were a couple of times our group got separated but the guys had made sure the Garmins were powered up, working, and on the correct maps, making reconnecting much easier. I appreciated having one guide on the bike with us and one following or leapfrogging ahead. We were never too far from one or the other of them! And when a ride in the van was needed, for whatever reason, that was good, too. I'm no climber so took the option for a boost when I needed it, (over the Lecht!) and always enjoyed the chat with whoever was driving.
The Bottom Line
This was our 2nd trip with Wilderness Scotland. We had enjoyed our first trip so much that a second was a must! Not only that but we recruited some of our friends to join us this time. We are definitely looking at another trip, and if we're lucky we'll be back with even more friends! I can't sing the praises of this group enough. Keep up the great work!
