The Caledonia Way

Day 1 - The Isle of Arran

We will meet you in Glasgow for a short transfer to the port of Ardrossan. Here we’ll take the ferry across the Firth of Clyde to reach the Isle of Arran. Affectionately known as “Scotland in Miniature”, the Isle of Arran provides a perfect warm-up ride. After a bike fitting from your Wilderness “soigneur” you will ride 15mi/24km across the island through the majestic Glen Sannox. Reaching Lochranza on the North Coast it’s a short hop on another ferry to the Mull of Kintyre. Heading ashore, your second climb of the day leads to the west side of the peninsula and on to the charming coastal village of Tarbert where you will stay the next two nights.

Ride Details: 30mi/49km | Ascent: 1,957ft/597m

Day 2 - Campbeltown to Tarbert

Enjoy a relaxed Scottish breakfast before transferring for around 45 mins to the official start of the Caledonia Way in Campbeltown. From here you’ll be riding north for some 235mi/375km over the next 5 days starting with a spectacular coastal ride up the east coast of the Kintyre Peninsula. This road is surprisingly hilly as it sweeps up and down along the rugged coastline. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the mountains of Arran. A recommended short diversion of the main route is to the Seafood Cabin in Skipness where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The 13th century Skipness Castle and the Isle of Arran provides a fitting backdrop for a memorable lunch before continuing on to your accommodation this evening. (B)

Ride Details: 44mi/71km | Ascent: 3,727ft/1,136m

Day 3 - Tarbet to Lochgilphead

Leaving Kintyre, the Caledonia Way crosses into the Knapdale National Scenic Area. Squeezed between two deep sea lochs, the peninsula of Knapdale is rugged and wild. This is one of the few places in the country where you can see Scotland’s “Big 5” from the road. Golden eagles, deer, otters, seals and red squirrels are to be found here in this rich landscape. A horseshoe loop of the peninsula leads north where we hit our first gravel section of the route which takes a forest road high above Loch Fyne. The descent leads to your overnight stop in Lochgilphead – a quiet town which feels a little like stepping back in time with it’s 19th century buildings and quirky independent shops. (B)

Ride Details: 35mi/57km | Ascent: 2,782ft/848m

Day 4 - Lochgilphead to Oban

Today’s ride starts perfectly with a gentle cruise on a traffic-free towpath alongside the Crinan Canal. Crossing the canal head north into the remarkable Kilmartin Glen. The human history of this glen spans 5,000 years and is home to more than 350 ancient monuments, 150 of which are prehistoric including standing stones, burial cairns and (a short distance away) the mighty fort of Dunadd. Heading away from the coast, you’ll soon reach the head of Loch Awe which stretches for a remarkable 25mi/40km to the north. A quiet road follows the loch’s western shore before climbing away to reach the village of Taynuilt. Choose to stay here for the night or in the nearby town of Oban. (B)

Ride Details: 51mi/82km | Ascent: 3,635ft/1,108m

Day 5 - Oban to Spean Bridge

The route continues to hug the west coast as you journey north into increasingly magnificent scenery. A new section of traffic-free cycleway has recently been completed which has to be a contender for one of the best cycle paths in the UK. For some 18mi/30km between Loch Creran and Loch Leven, it is pure mountains and sea as you pedal through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. Where the cycleway ends, a short boat crossing takes you across the Corran narrows to a near traffic-free road right along the shore of Loch Linnhe. Across the other shore, the majestic bulk of Ben Nevis dominates the scene. Continue off-road to Spean Bridge or stop overnight in Fort William in the shadow of the “Ben”. (B)

Ride Details: 62mi/99km | Ascent: 2,836ft/864m

Day 6 - Spean Bridge to Inverness

Your final day of riding is a classic; combining off-road gravel with one of Scotland’s iconic road climbs and a fast finish along the shores of Loch Ness. The first part of your day follows the Great Glen, through the forests above Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. As far as Fort Augustus the terrain is largely flat and you should arrive in good shape for lunch by the Caledonian Canal. Fuelled for the final leg of your journey, it’s time to tackle the Glendoe climb which is the main feature of the Etape Loch Ness which 5,000+ riders tackle each April. Depending upon your legs, it’s a challenging climb of 25-45mins but you will be rewarded with stunning views of Loch Ness. From the summit, it’s a long downhill to the village of Foyers where one final (and essential) stop at the cycle friendly Cameron’s tea room will carry you to the finish in Inverness. Enjoy a celebratory night in the Highland capital having successfully completed the Caledonia Way. (B)

Ride Details: 59mi/94km | Ascent: 3,019ft/920m

Day 7 - Depart Inverness

Enjoy your morning relaxing and exploring in Inverness before departing for your onward journey. (B)