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    Road Cycling

    The Grand Tour

    83 reviews

    Next Trip: 18th - 24th May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £2,755 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Craig Little
    View Craig's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Road Cycling
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £709

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 137kg ? 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 Grand Tour of Scotland is a classic road cycling tour connecting the Highland capital of Inverness to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

    Riding on quiet and spectacularly scenic roads you will experience an incredible range of trip highlights.

    From visiting the V&A to a whisky tasting, this trip will leave you wanting for nothing.

    Leave the car and tour bus behind, safe in the knowledge that our guides and vehicle support will take care of you. With great accommodation and food completing the itinerary, join us this year for a cycling adventure that is grand in every sense.

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

    Trip Highlights

    • A classic road cycling tour from the heart of the Highlands to Scotland's Capital.
    • An amazing week of trip highlights showcasing the best of Scotland's natural and cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
    • Full guiding, vehicle and logistical support leaving you to relax and enjoy the riding.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Inverness to Grantown-on-Spey

    We meet this morning in Inverness and transfer to the nearby Culloden Battlefield. Here there is ample space for us to welcome everyone with a trip briefing and bike fitting before we set off, and there may be time for a quick look around the battlefield. Our route quickly takes us out of the Highland capital and into the surrounding countryside. From here we head east, past Cawdor, where we stop for lunch and then into the Whisky Country of Speyside. An ancient military road dating from the 1700s leads to our first overnight stop at Grantown-on-Spey. (L, D)

    Ride Details: 59 km/36.5 miles | 632 m/2,074 ft elevation gain

    Day 2 – The Cairngorms National Park

    Today we ride through the UK’s largest and highest National Park. There are a few hills to contend with today but the exciting descents and superb views more than reward the effort required on the climbs. Our first stop is 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. From Tomintoul, it is a stiff climb over the Lecht pass, but the views over Royal Deeside are simply superb on a clear day. From the summit, there is a long descent, one final climb and then a 10km/6 miles run downhill delivers us to the lovely village of Ballater. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 63 km/39 miles | 1,050 m/3,440 ft elevation gain

    Day 3 – Royal Deeside to Edzell

    Our journey continues east along the River Dee and then through the picturesque Forest of Birse on rolling and very scenic roads. This gentle warm-up sets us up for the climb over the Cairn O’Mount, which is challenging, but the van will be close by should you need it. Look out for the stone cairn, which is said to be more than 4,000 years old, and enjoy the commanding views from the summit and our first glimpse of the North Sea and Scotland’s east coast. It’s all downhill from here – a superb 10 miles of fast riding all the way to our overnight halt at Edzell, where the whisky bar has previously held the Guinness World Record with over 1,000 different whiskies. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 63 km/39 miles | 840 m/2,756 ft elevation gain

    Day 4 – Edzell to Dundee

    This morning, we leave the Cairngorm Mountains behind and head south from Edzell. We take a coastal route today, passing through Montrose with its landlocked lagoon, a haven for wildfowl and wading birds and onwards to Arbroath, famed for its smokie – a hot smoked haddock unique to the local area. From there, we ride into the City of Dundee, where there is the option to visit the world-famous V&A museum situated in an iconic building right on the waterfront. This is Scotland’s first design museum, revealing the many hidden stories of Scottish design which have had a global impact. This evening, we stay in the heart of Dundee. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 72 km/44.5 miles | 611 m/2,005 ft elevation gain

    Day 5 – St Andrews and Fife

    We’ll make an early start from Dundee, crossing the Tay Estuary and reaching the historic University town of St Andrews with plenty of time to explore the old town on foot. Leaving the coast behind, we pick up part of the National Cycle Network route, passing through a number of villages and the historic Falkland Palace. This afternoon, we climb through the moorlands of the Lomond Hills Regional Park before finishing our ride at a local farm shop. From here, we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 82 km/51 miles | 770 m/2,530 ft elevation gain

    Day 6 – Round the Forth

    We take a short transfer this morning to our start point close to the historic town of Dunfermline. We wind through Fife before crossing over the River Forth, which widens and becomes the Firth of Forth. Riding on, we see the Kelpies, a magnificent monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland and then the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and the Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. We continue our ride along the banks of the estuary, passing the 15th-century fortress of Blackness Castle before arriving back at our hotel. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 61 km/38 miles | 335 m/1,160 ft elevation gain

    Day 7 – Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital

    On the final day of our Grand Tour, we can choose to have a free morning in South Queensferry or take a ride out and back across the Forth Road Bridge. This impressive suspension bridge is now closed to general traffic, so cyclists and pedestrians have it to themselves to admire the spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and its other two bridges, representing the pinnacle of engineering from three centuries.

    Depart from Edinburgh Gateway station and choose whether to head home or into the city centre to explore more of Scotland’s capital. (B)

    Ride Details: 6 km/3.5 miles | 50 m/165 ft elevation gain

    X
    Road Cycling
    The Grand Tour

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

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    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

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    18th May - 24th May 20241 place leftGuaranteed £2,755Book Now
    6th Jul - 12th Jul 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,755
    27th Jul - 2nd Aug 20244 places leftGuaranteed £2,755Book Now
    17th Aug - 23rd Aug 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,755Book Now
    7th Sep - 13th Sep 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,755Book 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.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £560 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

    Breakfast is provided each morning 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. All evening meals are also included on this itinerary and we will usually eat our evening meals in the hotel or inn we’re staying in. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    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
    • 7 days professional guiding with lead guide plus assistant guide/support driver.
    • 6 nights accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels/ inns/guest houses on a B&B basis.
    • All meals as stated in the itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • Vehicle transport throughout including ride support and luggage transfers.
    • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary.
    • Ride snacks and drinks.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 9.00am on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will conclude at Edinburgh Gateway train station at 12.00pm on the final day of the trip.

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

    Bike Hire / Bringing Your Own Bike Read More
    Bike Hire

    We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire including road bikes, mountain bikes, and E-bikes.
    Find Out More

    Bring Your Own Bike

    You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike. If you’re bringing your E-bike along for the trip, please ensure it has a removable battery. Due to limitations around charging, E-bikes with non-removable batteries cannot be accommodated.

    If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

    In addition, please bring the following:

    • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
    • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
    • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

    Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

    • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
    • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

    Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

    If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

    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

    Bridget Brown

    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 Bridget a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded Road Cycling Holidays 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Compare road cycling grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 83 reviews of Road Cycling – The Grand Tour

     

    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.

    RR

    Rahul Ravel

    Reviewed on 17/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 23/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    This was my first trip with Wilderness Scotland and it was a great bike tour experience. I would highly recommend them!

    LA

    Lori Avis

    Reviewed on 06/10/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 23/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    I thoroughly enjoyed it and strategizing on how/when to sign up for another.

    JB

    Jill Bobek

    Reviewed on 04/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United Kingdom
    Trip Date: 23/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    I think the fact I have already booked a third holiday with the company speaks for itself.

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