Scotland by bike, Great Glen way & island heritage

Scotland by bike: the Highlands, land of legends

Go on a fantastic cycling trip in Scotland from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. You'll ride on narrow roads and quiet forest paths through magnificent views of lochs and mountains. You will see an abundance of wildlife including red deer and golden eagles. You can take a day off in Fort William to explore, try mountain biking in the forest or climb the mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain... The cycling trip in Scotland ends in Oban passing by the island of Lismore, famous for its wild flowers.

Highlights of the trip : 

• Inverness, capital of the Highlands
• Loch Ness
• Fort William
• Lismore Island
• the castles of legend
• Scottish landscapes and culture 

Day 1: Arrival in Inverness

Inverness, a modern and prosperous city with many historical treasures, enjoy the beautiful city center, admire the castle and step back in time to 1745 during the Jacobite Rebellion. Visit St Andrews Cathedral before strolling along the shores of Loch Ness. 
Overnight in Inverness. 

Day 2: Inverness - Drumnadrochit - 39 km

You will collect the bikes and equipment from our local partners. You will be able to start this first stage after a briefing and instructions on the route. Leave Inverness along the Caledonian Canal before a steep climb to Blackfold, crossing moorland and quiet country roads to reach Drumnadrochit. Take time to visit the legendary Loch Ness Monster exhibition center and the ruined Urquhart Castle.

Day 3: Drumnadrochit - Fort Augustus - 37 km

This stage in Scotland invites you to follow the Great Glen cycle path. Some steep hills are rewarded with magnificent views of Loch Ness and the mountains beyond. In the forest you may spot deer or golden eagles before reaching the southern end of the loch at Fort Augustus.
Overnight in Fort Augustus. 

Day 4: Fort Augustus - Fort William - 55 km

The Caledonian Canal towpath and forest trails keep you clear of traffic until you reach the Neptune Stairs locks at Banavie. Continue for a short drive to the busy tourist town of Fort William, in the shadow of the impressive 1,345 metre Ben Nevis. Feel free to relax in a traditional pub with a fragrant Highland single malt or a traditional beer. 
Overnight in Fort William. 

Day 5: Rest day in Fort William

This day invites you to enjoy the city and all its attractions such as the picturesque West Highland Railway steam train to Mallaig or the climb to Ben Nevis. You can also explore the many trails in the Leanachan Forest.

Day 6: Fort William - Oban - 63 km

This stage includes many ferry crossings, first to Camnusnagaul, then across Loch Linnhe to Corran and Port Appin to the island of Lismore. Every ruin and hillock on Lismore has a secret tale or tradition. A visit to the Old Schoolhouse, home of the island's Historical Society, will allow you to learn more about its history. At the end of the day, a ferry links Lismore to Oban.
Overnight in Oban. 

Day 7: Rest day in Oban or bike tour - 68 km

You can either enjoy a day of exploring Oban, cycling to Dunstaffnage Castle or Kerrera Island, or take the ferry to Craignure on Mull and cycle to Tobermory.
Oban is a seaside town with spectacular coastline. It is also the main gateway to the Hebridean islands. 
Overnight in Oban. 

Day 8: Departure from Oban

Your cycling trip in Scotland ends after breakfast. You can enjoy an extra night if you wish to extend your stay in this land of legends. 

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Level of comfort of accommodation: 3 and 4* Guest Houses

Dates:

Departure from Inverness on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 03/04 to 23/10/2024

Includes :

• 7 nights in Guest Houses
• 7 breakfasts
• Luggage transportation
• Road book 
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire).

Not included :

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Lunches and dinners
• Entrance fees for castles/visitor attractions
• Ferry fares
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.

Options :

• Rental of a VTC or VAE
• Extra nights
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Accomodation upgrade to 3/4* hotels
• Cancellation insurance

Levels  :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain :
Hilly depending on the stages. Tour on little roads and tracks.

Climate
Alternatively drizzle and sunny spells, some rapid rains rapidly sweeped away, max.between 15° and 20°C

Technical nature :
37 to 68 km per day. 2h to 5h hours riding.

Tour for hike or ride accustomed or for the ones who do a little sports regularly. Bit hilly.

Bibliography :

• Cycling maps on Scotlandon cartovelo.fr
• Cycling guides on Scotland on cartovelo.fr
• Lochs & Glens North cycle route. Edition Sustrans
   

Accommodation Comfort :
Guest houses 3 et 4* (local standards) with toilet and bathroom in the room

Extra nights :
One additional night is available at the beginning and at the end of the tour.

Food :

• Rich breakfast (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, bread, butter, jam, orange juice)
• Lunch : not included
• Dinner : not included but possible on site at your host's.

The bike :

• Bike rental :  24 gears hybrid bike. You will get it when arriving. We will ask you to leave a deposit. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the last hotel and inform the reception. Our correspondent will take care of it. 
• Own bike : If you travel with your own bike,  we advice against bikes with small tires. Hybrids and Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before the tour. At the end of the tour, you will be in charge of your bike.

Assistance :

For the bike in case of breakdown (except for punctures)

Luggage :

We assume its transportation. Limited to one luggage per person (20 kg max).

Road Book :
You will get detailed maps and description of the routes when arriving at the first hotel.

Transportation :

• By air : Edinburgh/Glasgow /Inverness Airports
• By train : with Scotrail
• By bus : with Citylink

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee reimbursement of your fees, you may subscribe to a cancellation insurance. To know more about this insurance, click here