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    Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

    The Caledonia Way

    4 reviews

    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £1,575.00

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Paul Easto
    View Paul's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
    Accommodation: Classic
    Deposit From: £406

    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.

    Download Itinerary

    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.

    Trip Highlights

    • Ride Scotland's newest long-distance cycle route from the Mull of Kintyre to the Highland Capital of Inverness
    • Experience some of Europe's most spectacular scenery by bike, through the majestic mountains and coastline of the West Highlands
    • Ride off the beaten track and explore the rich heritage of Scotland in places such as the remarkable Kilmartin Glen

    Day by Day Itinerary

    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: 30mi/49km | Ascent: 2,162ft/660m

    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. (B)

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

    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. (B)

    Ride Details: 45mi/74 km | Ascent: 3,180ft/970m

    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. (B)

    Ride Details: 51mi/82km | Ascent: 3,232ft/985m

    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”. (B)

    Ride Details: 48mi/77km | Ascent: 2,390ft/730m

    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: 60mi/98km | Ascent: 3,210ft/980m

    Day 7 - Depart Inverness

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

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    Self Guided Plus+ 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.

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    Price from: £1,575
    Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights

    Trip Details

    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 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.

    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 who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, 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.

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

    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

    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 9:30am. 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.

    Bike Hire / Bringing Your Own Bike Read More
    Bike Hire

    We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire u2013 including road bikes, hybrid 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 choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced u2013 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.

    Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

    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.

    Other Read More

    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.

    Photo Gallery

    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 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 5.00 out of 5 based on 4 reviews 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.

    JZ

    Jonathan Zaff

    Reviewed on 08/08/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: US
    Trip Date: 23/07/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Phenomenal trip filled with countless amazing views, good food and drink, endless moments of joy, and memories we will hold for years to come. Wilderness Scotland (and specifically Chris and Rachel) made this trip everything we could have imagined. They even called up Mother Nature and made sure we only had a half day of rain all week!

    OF

    Osnat Frumerman

    Reviewed on 15/08/2022

    Age: 50 - 60
    Trip Date: 05/08/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Attention to small details is the key to the success of the trip! and It was there

    KP

    Kirstin Pellom

    Reviewed on 19/06/2022

    Age: 40 - 50
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 04/06/2022
    Trips Taken: 5

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    I think the fact that this is my 5th trip with WS speaks for itself. This trip was one of my favorites for sure. It was an incredible experience to share this beautiful place with my daughter for the first time. The Caledonian Way was beautiful and just challenging enough! I can’t wait to return and cycle or hike in Scotland again!

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