Highlands glens and Lowland hills

The Highlands by bike 

Discover Scotland's most beautiful landscapes by bike, from the remote glens of the Perthshire Highlands to the beautiful Trossachs, nicknamed the "Highlands in miniature". This scenic route winds along Scottish rivers and lochs at the foot of majestic mountains. You can visit distilleries and castles, sail on Loch Katrine or explore the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. 
Sailing on the Lady of the Lake or the Rob Roy 111 will allow you to enjoy the splendor of Loch Katrine and visit Inversnaid on the shores of Loch Lomond. At the historic town of Stirling, you can visit the castle perched on a rock above the town. This route offers many variations and is suitable for both beginner and more experienced cyclists. 

Highlights of the trip : 

• the fantastic landscapes of the Highlands
• Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Killin
• the Scottish glens
• the loch Katrine
• the historical city of Stirling
• Queen Elizabeth Forest Park 

Day 1: Arrival in Pitlochry

Your trip to Scotland begins in the town of Pitlochry. Take time to explore the town center and stores and visit Bell's Blair Atholl Distillery. At the end of the day, you can collect your bikes and equipment from our local partner who will be happy to give you a briefing on the route. 
Night in Pitlochry. 

Day 2: Loop around Pitlochry - 39/64/48 km

Your cycling trip in the Highlands begins with an exploration around the town with a choice of 3 tours: 

1. Pitlochry - Calvine 24ml or 38km. This is an easy tour with many points of interest. You follow the road through the historic Killiecrankie Pass to the world famous Blair Castle. The return journey is through the villages of Calvine and Struan. 
2. Pitlochry - Glen Errochty and Strath Tummel 40ml or 64km. You follow the first route to Struan before continuing west through Glen Errochty over the hills to Tummel Bridge. A beautiful walk along the shore of Loch Tummel brings you back to Pitlochry. 
3. Pitlochry - Dunkeld 30ml or 48km. This route offers spectacular views along the rivers Tummel and Tay to the historic town of Dunkeld. See the ruined cathedral and the picturesque town square.

Overnight in Pitlochry. 

Day 3: Pitlochry - Aberfeldy - 24 or 40 km

This stage follows a pretty road over the River Tummel to Logierait and an old railway bridge. You then follow the north bank of the Tay River to Aberfeldy. You can also try the more difficult route over Fascally and Tummel lakes and up the pass on the old military road to Coshieville and Aberfeldy.
Overnight in Aberfeldy.

Day 4: Aberfeldy - Killin - 37 or 64 km

Your cycling tour through Scotland continues from Aberfeldy. You cross the River Tay to Weem and then ride on a quiet road to Kenmore, at the northern end of Loch Tay. You enjoy a scenic drive along the south loch road with great views over Ben Lawers to Killin. A longer and more physical, but very beautiful alternative is offered, passing through Fortingall, Glen Lyon and Glen Lochay.
Night in Killin. 

Day 5: Killin - Callander - 40 km 

From Killin, the trip continues south on the bike path through Glen Ogle to Lochearnhead. You then pass through Strathyre and Loch Lubnaig on forestry trails and an old railroad line leading to Leny and Callander Falls. You can stop at Rob Roy's grave in the peaceful Balquhidder Cemetery and admire the Leny Falls before arriving in Callander. Take time to visit the Rob Roy exhibit at the Callander tourist office. Rob Roy Mac Gregor was born on the northern shores of Loch Katrine in 1671 and is one of Scotland's most famous chieftains. 
Night in Callander.

Day 6: The Trossachs - 34/53/68 km

This stage invites you to explore the Trossachs through 3 possible routes.
You can go through Loch Venacher and the Achray Forest to Loch Katrine, take a boat and return to Callander from the Loch Katrine jetty. An alternative route takes you down to Stronachlachar Pier, detouring around Loch Lomond before returning to Callander by a road around Loch Katrine. The last alternative continues south of Stronachlachar on the scenic Aberfoyle Road and returns to Callander through Achray Forest.
Overnight in Callander. 

Day 7: Callander - Stirling - 31/47/68 km 

This last stage of your cycling trip in Scotland passes through the Braes of Doune and allows you to visit the ancient castle of Doune. You ride to Dunblane Cathedral and finish the tour in Stirling. Alternatively, you can cycle south along the Torrie Forest to the village of Thornhill to reach Stirling. A longer scenic route takes you through the Carron Valley and past the Gargunnock and Fintry hills.
Overnight in Stirling. 

Day 8: End of your stay in the Highlands

Your cycling tour of Scotland's legendary lands ends after breakfast. You can book an extra night to explore the city at your own pace. 

General Information:

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

Dates:

Departure from PITLOCHRY every day from 01/04 to 31/10/2023

Includes :

• Loop tour in freedom
• 7 nights in hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• Luggage transportation
• Road book 
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire).

Not included :

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Evening meal
• ferry
• Entrance fees to castles
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.

Options :

• Rental of a VTC or VAE
• Additional night in Perth
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• 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 :
32 to 42 km per day ie 2h to 4 hours riding

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

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 to Dundee/Edinburgh/Glasgow/Aberdeen Airports.  Airport collection service available by train with Scotrail. By bus with Citylink: car parking available

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