Self Guided Cycling
Cairngorms National Park

Day 1 - Arrive in Aviemore: Welcome Briefing & Bike Fit

Arrive in Aviemore and check in to your cosy Highland guesthouse, an easy walk from the railway station. Once you are settled in, come to the Wilderness Scotland office for your welcome briefing and expert bike fitting. You then have the rest of the day free to start exploring the local area. A short ride up to Loch Morlich is recommended for fantastic mountain views and to relax on the highest beach in the UK! (B)

Optional ride details: 15 miles / 24 km 

Day 2 - A Local Loop

There are many reasons why we love being based in Aviemore, but this great loop is definitely one of them. A firm favourite with our team, your route takes you along quiet roads that undulate just enough to keep things interesting as you pass wooded hillsides and sparkling lochs to reach the village of Kincraig. Heading back to Aviemore, you complete the loop along a road that weaves past lochs and great mountain vistas before a final wee climb back into town. Of course, our route-notes highlight a couple of cosy cafes along the way at which you may wish to pause! For a longer ride, it’s worth extending the loop to the small town of Kingussie. On these extra miles, you’ll pass the atmospheric ruins of Ruthven Barracks and the Insh Marshes Nature Reserve. It’s also a short detour to the Highland Folk Museum, which is well worth a visit. (B)

Ride details: 16 miles / 25 km | Ride extension: Options are detailed in your information pack and can add 14-18 miles

Day 3 - Ride Aviemore to Grantown-on-Spey

Today you leave Aviemore and ride to your next destination, the historic small town of Grantown-on-Spey. The route follows fabulous backroads through a combination ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and sweeping farmland with views back to the mountains. Pause at Loch Garten to admire stunning panoramic views of the Cairngorm mountains and maybe visit the Osprey Centre as you keep an eye out for raptors in the sky. Onwards to the tiny village of Nethy Bridge before the final few miles follow the River Spey, whose pure waters give their name to the rich Speyside whiskies in the area. Arriving in Grantown-on-Spey, your luggage will be waiting for you and you can head out to explore the town. (B)

Ride details: 23 miles / 37 km – Ride extension: Options are detailed in your information pack and can add 2-15 miles

Day 4 - Rest Day to Explore or Local Rides

A free day to explore the village and the local area today. Grantown-on-Spey is a lovely town with lots of interesting locally-owned shops to browse and some excellent cafes to visit. We recommend taking some time out of the saddle to walk in the peaceful Anagach Woods on the edge of the town. If you are keen to ride a few more miles though, we provide route notes for a short ride to a local gin distillery, or a longer ride to a whisky distillery. These can also be reached by taxi if you plan to do some tasting!  (B)

Optional ride details:

• To Caorunn Gin Distillery | 8 miles/13 km
• To Knockando (for Whisky Distillery and/or Woollen Mill) | 32 miles/51 km

Day 5 - Grantown-on-Spey to Carrbridge via Dava Moor

Today’s ride may well be the highlight of the trip, as you leave Grantown-on-Spey and ride across wild moors to the village of Carrbridge. The ride starts with a climb out of Grantown – it’s the biggest climb of the week but manageable! Cresting the rise, a short descent takes you onto Dava Moor. The huge skies and rolling heather-clad landscape is a joy to ride across. You pass a remote loch, the waters lapping at the edge of the road at times as you gaze out to a ruined castle which sits on a tiny island. A final rolling climb rewards you with a fantastic panorama of the Cairngorm mountains and the prospect of a swooping descent down towards the pretty village of Carrbridge. Enjoy a drink in the lively village pub tonight – you’ve earned it! (B)

Ride details: 22 miles / 35 km | Ride extension: Options are detailed in your information pack and can add 5-25 miles

Day 6 - Rest Day to Explore or Local Rides

Choose from a relaxing morning at the hotel, perhaps taking a walk down to the nearby Packhorse Bridge. Or take a final ride before you’re met at the accommodation to hand the bike and equipment back. We then transfer you to Aviemore Railway Station to depart. (B)

Optional ride details: 11 miles / 17 km