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Scotland Gravel Bike Tour

Ride off the beaten path in Galloway, the gravel cycling capital of the UK

Tour Duration

5D / 4N

Trip Style

Signature, Gravel

Activity Level

3

Hotel Level

Explorer

Bikes

Trek Domane AL 5 Gravel
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ AL 5 Gravel

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Starting from

$3,499.00 per person

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Explore the rugged southwest of Scotland on a gravel bike tour and experience miles of scenic forest, riverbanks, and coastal trails.

Galloway, in southwest Scotland, is an undiscovered corner of this wild and beautiful country. The rugged landscape here provides the backdrop for the UK’s growing gravel bike scene, with hundreds of miles of trails winding their way through the forests and hills and around the scenic coastline. Unpacking just once, you’ll be based from a delightful village hotel on this gravel bike tour. Each day we’ll explore the best gravel riding the region has to offer from fast riverside and lochside trails to challenging climbs and rolling coastal paths. Off the bike, you can expect the warmest of welcomes and the best of Scottish hospitality including yoga, wild food foraging, and a spectacular BBQ in the heather-clad hills.
Learn more about Gravel trips and if they're right for you »

Trip Wows
  • Explore the endless gravel trails in the wild and beautiful Galloway Forest Park and challenge yourself on the route of the UCI Gravel World Series

  • Revel in the rich cultural and natural heritage of Scotland, dating back to pre-Roman times

  • Ride the wild and beautiful coast from Gatehouse to the charming village of Kirkcudbright on coastal trails and deserted country lanes

  • Recover and relax in style at a historic hotel, sampling the best of food and drink from the region

  • Experience wild food foraging, cocktails, and a memorable sunset BBQ in the heather-clad hills

people foraging for food in grassy field

Edible plants found in the woods, salt marshes, and beaches.

Learn about foraging near the shoreline

Explore the rich world of coastal foraging as your guide introduces you to a variety of midsummer wild foods—from flavorful herbs to nourishing seaweeds.


What Guests are Saying
Cyclists riding on dirt road in forest

If you're looking to explore the wild side of Scotland, you will love the gravel riding in Galloway. This corner of the country is well off the beaten track but has a cultural and natural heritage as rich as you'll find anywhere. The variety of terrain is fantastic from rolling smooth gravel roads through the forest to more challenging climbs and swooping trails and country lanes which loop around the beautiful coastline. Off the bike, you'll be well looked after by the McConchie family at the historic Murray Arms Hotel and enjoy the best of produce from the hills and coast which dominate the local landscapes.

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Paul, Trip Designer and Guide

cyclists on path with viaduct in background

Loving the exceptional and consistent TT experience. Top level guides, logistics, accommodations and equipment. Enjoy beautiful scenery, great rides, company, food and wine. Repeat. There is no better way to vacation!

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Rose, Trek Travel Guest

3 Cyclists exchanging high 5's

This is a challenging ride that was made perfect with excellent guides and marvelous scenery and spectacular views. Scotland really surprised me.

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Ed, Trek Travel Guest


gravel road through forest and hills

Big Country Loop

Experience the wild landscapes of Galloway

Cycle the open gravel trails from Rosie's Waterfall and Stone Faces through to Loch Trool. This ride offers the feeling of true remote wilderness, just you, your bike and your fellow riders.


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Rider Information

Hotels
Four-poster double bedroom with pillows and tartan cover
A double bed with decorative pillows and dim mood lighting
A double bedroom with wood walls, and animal hide on the bed
A hotel dining area and bar
A hotel lounge area with a fireplace, sofa, and black and gold decor
Gatehouse of Fleet, Scotland
The Murray Arms
Explorer

In the heart of the charming village of Gatehouse of Fleet, The Murray Arms has undergone a recent transformation to create a uniquely styled and welcoming hotel. In 2022, the family team of Duncan and Vicki McConchie completely refurbished this historic hotel which dates back to the 18th century. Each of the 14 bedrooms has been individually designed, providing great character and individuality. Arguably the centre piece of the hotel is the Burns Reading Room, where the country’s most famous poet Robert Burns composed the patriotic “Scots Wha Hae” in 1793; the country’s national anthem until recent times.

...

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Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
Trek Domane SL 5 Gravel Bike Gravel
Trek Domane AL 5 Gravel

Trek’s latest innovation has led to the best aluminium bike out there—a lightweight, stable, and technologically advanced ride specially outfitted with Tubeless Bontrager GR1 40mm Gravel tires to take on any gravel road with ease while the disc brakes make stopping safe and secure. Ride confidently and comfortably for as long as you like, in the most beautiful unpaved riding destinations.

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Ride the Trek Domane Plus AL 5 Road
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ AL 5 Gravel

Experience the exhilarating freedom of the all-new Domane+ AL 5. Combining a lightweight frame design with electric assist, it’s the ultimate gravel bike upgrade. With Tubeless Bontrager GR1 40mm Gravel tires you can conquer climbs, keep pace with the pack, and explore farther than ever. Domane+ AL 5 Gravel: embrace more distance, more dirt, and more fun! Upgrade to the Domane+ AL 5 on this trip for $399. Available in limited quantities. Please contact a Trip Consultant to check availability.

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Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Certified Guides

Additional Gear
  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
  • Shimano SPD mountain style pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Classic Bike Tour.

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • Getting off the beaten path means there may be limited services during gravel rides. There may not be traditional restrooms available on some routes, but there will be plenty of trees.
  • Look right and keep left! In Scotland, you cycle on the left side of the road along with traffic. Extra attention and caution are required as you ride, cross intersections, and enter traffic circles if this is the opposite side of the road that you are accustomed to.
  • Please note that the bikes you will ride on this trip are aluminium frames with mechanical shifting, which differs from our standard fleet. See the Bikes & Guides section for more information.

Before and After Your Trip

FAQs

Summer and early fall temperatures range from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit (12-22ºC). Always remember that rain is possible at any time of the year–daily Scottish weather is very unpredictable! It’s a good idea to bring a light rain jacket, as well as layers.
View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

or

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Bike trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.

Read our Cancellation Policy

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Signature Gravel trip, we recommend between $200-$250 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See Gravel FAQs


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself