Scotland by bike, highland glens and lowland hills

Scotland by bike, Highland Glens and Lowland Hills

Discover Scotland's most beautiful landscapes by bike, from the remote Perthshire glens of the Highlands to the stunning Trossachs region, 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.
A sail on the Lady of the Lake or the Rob Roy 111 will allow you to appreciate 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 aimed at both beginners and more experienced cycle tourists.

Highlights of the stay:

• the fantastic landscapes of the Highlands
• Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Killin
• the Scottish glens
• Loch Katrine
• the historic town of Stirling
• queen elizabeth forest park

Day 1: Arrival at Pitlochry

Your trip to Scotland begins in the town of Pitlochry. Take time to explore its city center and shops 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 provide a briefing (in English) on the route.
Night in Pitlochry.

Day 2: Loop around Pitlochry - (3 possible) 38, 64 or 48 km

Your cycling holiday in the Highlands begins with an exploration around the town with the choice of 3 excursions:

Pitlochry - Calvine (38 km). It is an easy circuit with many points of interest. You follow the route through the historic Killiecrankie Pass to the world famous Blair Castle. The return is via the villages of Calvine and Struan.
Pitlochry - Glen Errochty and Strath Tummel (64 km). You follow the first route to Struan before continuing west through Glen Errochty over the hills to Tummel Bridge. A lovely stroll along the shore of Loch Tummel brings you back to Pitlochry.
Pitlochry - Dunkeld 30ml or 48km. This route offers spectacular views along the Rivers Tummel and Tay to the historic town of Dunkeld. You can admire the ruined cathedral and discover the picturesque town square.
Night in Pitlochry.

Day 3: Pitlochry to Aberfeldy - 24 to 39 km

This stage follows a pretty road which overlooks the Tummel river to Logierait and an old railway bridge. You then follow the north bank of the River Tay to Aberfeldy. You also have the opportunity to try the more difficult route via Lakes Fascally and Tummel and climb the pass on the old military road towards Coshieville and Aberfeldy.
Night in Aberfeldy.

Day 4: Aberfeldy to Killin - 37 to 65 km

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

Day 5: Killin to Callander - 43 km

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

Day 6: Loop to the Trossachs - 36, 55 or 62 km

This stage invites you to explore the Trossachs through 3 possible routes.
You can pass through Loch Venacher and Achray Forest to Loch Katrine, take a boat and return to Callander from the pier at Loch Katrine. A variation allows you to go down to Stronachlachar Pier, take a detour via Loch Lomond before returning to Callander via a route around Loch Katrine. The final alternative continues south from Stronachlachar on the Aberfoyle Scenic Drive and returns to Callander through Achray Forest.
Night in Callander.

Day 7: Callander to Stirling - 30, 46 or 69 km

This final leg of your cycling trip in Scotland passes through the Braes of Doune and allows you to visit the ancient Doune Castle. You drive to Dunblane Cathedral and finish the tour in Stirling. You can also cycle south along Torrie Forest to the village of Thornhill to reach Stirling. A longer scenic route crosses the Carron Valley and passes near the Gargunnock and Fintry hills.
Overnight in Stirling.

Day 8: end of stay in the Highlands

Your cycling route through Scottish legendary lands ends after breakfast. You can book an additional night to discover the city at your own pace.

General Information:

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

Dates:

Departure from PITLOCHRY every day from 01/04 to 31/10/2024

Includes :

• Loop tour in freedom
• 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
• Evening meal
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.

Options :

• Rental of a VTC or VAE
• Additional night in Pitlochry
• Upgrade to 3/4* hotels
• 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