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      | Isle of Arran

      Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

      The Caledonia Way

      7 reviews

      Deposit From: £406£406
      Region: Multi-Location
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 180kg ? What does this mean?
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      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: £1,575.00 Book Now

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Paul Easto

        The Caledonia Way is Scotland’s newest long distance cycle trip. Covering 235mi/375km, the route travels through some of the country’s most iconic scenery combining quiet rural roads with traffic-free cycleways and some gravel as you journey south to north through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

        Starting on the Kintyre Peninsula you will experience some of Scotland’s finest coastal scenery in an area visited by few tourists. As you head north, the magnificent mountains and sea lochs of the West Coast dominate the scene as you ride in the shadow of the craggy peaks of Glencoe and Ben Nevis. The final part of the route follows the dramatic geological fault line of the Great Glen. It’s a truly spectacular finish to the ride, as you climb high above the vast waters of Loch Ness before descending to the finish in the Highland Capital of Inverness.

        Experiencing the best of Highland hospitality along the way and your soigneur taking care of all the details, all you have to think about is enjoying the ride.

        This price is based on a group of 6, prices will vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with the team to confirm the trip price for your group.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – The Isle of Arran Read Less

        Day 1

        The Isle of Arran

        We will meet you in Ardrossan and from 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 around the south section of the island. Then from Lochranza on the North Coast it’s a short hop on another ferry to the Mull of Kintyre. Heading ashore, we’ll transfer on to the charming coastal village of Tarbert where you will stay the next two nights


        Ride Details: 49 km / 30 miles | 660 m / 2,165 ft

        Day 2 – Campbeltown to Tarbert Read Less

        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 off 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.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 71 km / 44 miles | 1,136 m / 3,727 ft

        Day 3 – Tarbet to Kilmartin Glen Read Less

        Day 3

        Tarbet to Kilmartin Glen

        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 to 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. Heading north, you reach 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. A short transfer takes us to our hotel on the shore of Loch Melfort.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 74 km / 46 miles | 970 m / 3,182 ft

        Day 4 – Carnasserie Castle to Creagan Read Less

        Day 4

        Carnasserie Castle to Creagan

        Today we set off from the 16th-century Carnasserie Castle with a gentle ride to the shores of Loch Awe, Scotland’s longest freshwater loch. We take a quiet road nearly the length of the loch before climbing away to reach the village of Taynuilt. From here, we head back across to the west coast again, crossing the seaward end of Loch Etive at the Falls of Lora, an impressive tidal rapid if you catch it at the right time! From here, it’s a cruise along the Caledonian Way Cycle path to today’s finish at Creagan.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 82 km / 51 miles | 985 m / 3,232 ft

        Day 5 – Creagan to Spean Bridge Read Less

        Day 5

        Creagan 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”.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 77 km / 48 miles | 730 m / 2,395 ft

        Day 6 – Spean Bridge to Inverness Read Less

        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.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 98 km / 61 miles | 980 m / 3,215 ft

        Day 7 – Depart Inverness Read Less

        Day 7

        Depart Inverness

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

        Meals Included: Breakfast

        Download Itinerary

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        Self Guided Cycling
        The Caledonia Way

        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.

        Book Now

        Price from: £1,575

        Checkout our range of Trek bikes available for hire Learn more

        Trip Details

        Expand All
        Accommodation Read More

        This itinerary includes 6 nights in 3-4 star accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels along our route, each handpicked for their warm welcome and bike friendly facilities. Single rooms are available on request.

        Accommodation Upgrades

        There is the option to upgrade your accommodation and opt for a five-star hotel on the final night of your trip in Inverness. This would be from £1695 per person based on a group of 6. Please get in touch with our friendly sales team to request this directly.

        Meals Read More

        Breakfast is included each day aside from Day 1. Your soigneur will suggest a number of options for your lunches and evening meals in each location.

        Inclusions Read More
        • 6 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels
        • Meals as indicated in the itinerary: Breakfast each day (Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
        • A support vehicle throughout the trip will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, a change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
        • Soigneur / Support driver / bike mechanic / first aider available 24/7 while on the trip.
        • Essential equipment including GPS with pre-loaded routes. Your soigneur will also have a bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers if required.
        • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip.
        • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1 if hiring.
        • Daily luggage transfers and private transfers to and from the start/endpoint.

        For a full list of inclusions please see our comparison table here.

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

        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

        Arrival Info

        Meet your soigneur at the Ardrossan Harbour Train Station on Day 1 of your trip. Arrival and Departure times can be flexible, but they are dependant on ferry schedules and its normally recommended to meet at around 9:00am. Ardrossan Harbour Station is easily accessed from Glasgow with hourly trains from Glasgow Central Station, taking around 50 mins.

        Departure Info

        Depart your Inverness accommodation after breakfast and make your own way to the train station for your onward journey.

        Optional Upgrades Read More

        There is the option to upgrade your accommodation and opt for a five-star hotel on the final night of your trip in Inverness. This would be from £1695 per person based on a group of 6. Please get in touch with our friendly sales team to request this directly.

        Looking to extend your stay? Get in touch with our friendly sales team to book extra nights before or after your trip.

        Bike Hire / Bring 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 knowledgeable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

        Speak to an Expert

        Rachael Gavan

        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 Rachael a Question

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        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.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 7 review(s) of Self Guided+ Cycling – The Caledonia Way

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        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.

        NS

        Nick Sapp

        Reviewed on 04/09/2024

        Age: 30 - 40
        Country: US
        Trip Date: 15/08/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        Show More
        RS

        Ryan Sapp

        Reviewed on 02/09/2024

        Age: 30 - 40
        Country: US
        Trip Date: 15/08/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Great trip and one of a kind experience with family!

        Show More
        JS

        Jim Sapp

        Reviewed on 26/08/2024

        Age: 60 - 70
        Country: US
        Trip Date: 15/08/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Beautiful country, great guide , this is my 24 trip with different guides , Will outstanding helpful

        Show More
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