Lakes and Legends

Cycling in Scotland

Mountain peaks, glistening lochs and romantic glens make up Scotland's incredible landscape. The country is famous for its historic castles, lochs and unique and fascinating cultural identity. Cycle through Scotland from the city of Perth to Dunkeld and Aberfeldy. The beautiful scenery of Killin and Loch Tay will accompany you at the end of the trip. 

This itinerary offers short portions to give you plenty of time to explore the wonders of Scotland. 

Highlights of the trip: 

• The lochs of Kenmore, Killin, Tay, Lochay or Lyon
• Killin and Perth
• Birks of Aberfeldy" walk
• Waterfalls of Dochart
• Distillery visits
• Breathtaking scenery.

Day 1 - Arrival in Perth  

Arrive in Perth and check into your hotel. If you arrive early you can take the opportunity to walk along the Tay River and/or climb Kinnoull Hill to enjoy the view of Perth and the Tay Valley. In the evening, presentation of the tour and pick up of the bikes.
Overnight in Perth.

Day 2 - Perth to Dunkeld - 28/42 km

A few kilometers from Perth, first stop to visit the Scone Palace, which contains treasures: furniture, ivory, fine china, hangings... Resumption of the tour towards the north and the city of Perthshire located on the banks of the Tay. Possible visit of the cathedral of Dunkeld and houses dating from the 18th century.
Overnight in Dunkeld.

Day 3 - Dunkeld to Aberfeldy - 32 km

Today you will never be far from the quiet and pleasant banks of the Tay. Leave Dunkeld, passing the cathedral one last time, and follow the tracks on the north bank of the Tay. You will pass by the bridge of the old railway in Logierait. This is a popular spot for kayakers until Strathtay. Follow the river to the small village of Weem. It's only a few more pedal strokes to cross the General Wade Bridge into Aberfeldy. Visit the distillery and/or explore the beautiful "Birks of Aberfeldy" walk (nature walk with waterfall views).
Overnight in Aberfeldy.

Day 4 - Aberfeldy to Killin - 39 km

You can visit Menzies Castle, the seat of the chiefs of the Menzies clan, currently under renovation. After Drummond Forest, you will arrive at the village of Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. Visit the Crannog exhibition which illustrates life on the lake in the Bronze Age. Taking the road south out of the village, you can enjoy the incomparable beauty of the Lochs and the Bens on the way to Killin.
Overnight in Killin.

Day 5 - Loop around Killin - 53 km

A day of rest where you can sail the Tay Loch, visit the Dochart Waterfalls, walk through the peaceful countryside or cycle to the Trossachs and visit Rob Roy's grave at Balquidder.
Overnight in Killin.

Day 6 - Killin to Crieff - 45 km

On this leg of your Scottish cycling tour, enjoy a traffic-free cycle path over Glen Ogle to the small village of Lochearnhead. From here continue along the southern shore of Loch Ear enjoying the beauty of the lake and Ben Vorlich to reach St Fillans at the eastern end of the lake. Follow the valley of the Earn through Comrie to end your tour at Crieff. You can visit the Glenturret Distillery and the Famous Grouse Experience at the Crieff Visitor Center.
Overnight in Crieff.

Day 7 - Crieff to Perth - 32 or 45 km

Take the opportunity to visit the famous Italian gardens at Drummond Castle Gardens which are about 3 km south of Crieff. Afterwards, a quiet and peaceful drive through country lanes takes you back to Perth.
Overnight in Perth.

Day 8 - Perth

End of the tour after breakfast.

General Information:

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

Dates:

Realizable from 01/04 to 31/10/2023

Included:

• Loop tour in freedom
• Luggage transport
• Travel book : we provide you with the information about your stay as well as the itinerary at the validation of your reservation, subject to change.
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire).

Not included:

• Transportation to the place of departure
• 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
• Discount for 3 persons or more.

Levels  :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain :
Hilly depending on the stages. Tour on little roads and tracks, often near the Tay river and around the Lochs (lakes)

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. You will also get vouchers for the hotels and restaurants as well as tags for your luggage. 

Transportation :

- By train : Eurostar and then British Rail International

- By car : Motorway M90 from Edinburgh to Perth

- By plane : International airport of Edinburgh.
Arrival at the airport of Edinburgh, take the bus to the center (about 4£) and then the train from Edinburgh to Perth (13£). 

Your vehicle :

Possibility of parking at the 1st hotel, then possibility of parking the car at the Perth & Kinross Council parking lot in Canal Street (about 13€ per day), secure parking lot, for the rest of the tour

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