Trip created by Craig Little
View Craig's Profile
Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
Accommodation: Classic
Deposit From: £173.75 £173.75
Grading: Your Own Pace
Carbon Footprint: 56kg ? 
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 ItineraryArrive 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
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
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
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:
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
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
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
This itinerary includes 5 nights accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels, handpicked for their welcome and bike friendly facilities. The accommodations are graded 3-4 star. Each accommodation is located in the heart of the village, with restaurants, pubs and cafes within easy walking distance.
Single Rooms
If you require a single room, these are available on request – please see the Upgrade Options section for details.
Breakfast is included each day. Your information pack will suggest a number of options for lunch and evening meals in each location.
This trip includes the following:
Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.
On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready.
On the other days of the trip, you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.
Travel to Aviemore (reached by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness) or choose to drive here. Check into your accommodation from 4pm, although it is possible to drop off your luggage earlier if you arrive early. Then meet a team member for your welcome briefing at the Wilderness Scotland office and collect your bikes if hiring, either today or the following morning, depending on your preference.
We collect you from the final accommodation at 11am on Day 6 and transfer you back to Aviemore Railway Station.
Accommodation Upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement and are subject to availability. Please note that choosing to upgrade the accommodation may mean additional transfers to and from the route at the beginning and end of each day.
For a full list of inclusions please see our comparison table here.
Looking to extend your stay? Get in touch with our friendly sales team to book extra nights before or after your trip.
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 Chris a QuestionSelf guided trips can be taken at your own pace, meaning that you can travel whenever and at whatever pace you feel comfortable, leaving time for optional extra activities, explorations or relaxing.
On this self guided cycling adventure, each day you will have detailed route notes to follow. On most days, you will also have the option to extend your cycling routes with optimal extensions ranging from 2 to 25 miles.
Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter