Overview

Welcome to the Scottish Highlands! As you gaze out across the misty hills, remember that this place is defined by its unique climate, stunning landscape, and warm-hearted people. Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Perth Railway Station in Perth at 11:00 AM. We’ll head north together to the Highland village of Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park for a relaxed lunch at a delightful museum cafe. After a brief introduction to your new travel companions and an overview of the rules of the road, you'll be fitted to your Trek bike. Our warm-up route first takes you on a scenic loop along the River Dee and through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. You’ll then head east along the river, passing the Royal Castle of Balmoral before arriving in the quaint village of Ballater. In the heart of the village, we’ll enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and learn more about the week ahead in the Scottish Highlands while dining on a selection of regional specialties.

Overview

You’ll experience the true essence of Scotland’s natural beauty today, with a ride along the river, through forests and mountains. Starting right from the hotel doorstep in Ballater, you'll follow the valley of Royal Deeside before turning north and passing through several small villages to reach the next valley of Donside. You can expect quiet roads in this scenic corner of the Highlands where heather-clad hills form the beautiful backdrop. After a hearty picnic lunch together, you’ll gently climb alongside the river before reaching your first challenge of the week. Two climbs take you and your riding companions over military roads built in the 1700s to help government forces travel through these wild highlands. Magnificent views across the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park provide ample reward as does the fast cruise down to the tiny village of Crathie. Here you'll find the Queen’s official residence in Scotland - Balmoral Castle. From Balmoral, it’s a short distance back to our starting point in Ballater. Now it’s time to relax before dinner; enjoy a stroll around the village or perhaps go out for a pint. Our hotel is just a few minutes walk from the pub.

Overview

Are you ready to discover the distilled side of Scotland? Enjoy a relaxed Highland breakfast before rolling out of Ballater and into the hills for a classic Scottish ride through the heart of Speyside’s Whisky Country. Our route today crosses one of the highest roads in the UK, the Lecht Pass, with some steep ramps which will test your legs and challenge your heart. From the pass, it’s a fast descent into the village of Tomintoul. Explore the highest village in the Highlands over a lunch of your choice before cruising through Speyside, which is the undisputed home of Scotch Whisky. More climbing and rolling terrain follows lunch as you cross the Bridge of Brown, pass through the village of Nethy Bridge. From there, we will shuttle to our next hotel in Inverness. Tonight, we will go for dinner together at a selected restaurant in town.

Overview

Today we take on the local's favorite ride as we enjoy a relaxing loop across the wild heath-covered landscapes of Dava Moor. We take a short morning shuttle to Cawdor Castle, built in the 14th century, to explore its landscape gardens before setting off on our ride. A steady climb will take you up onto the Dava Moor, with its extensive vistas set beneath huge skies. We’ll cross the historic Dulsie Bridge, which dates back to 1755 when it was built in by Major William Caufield (or, more likely, his troops!) and then ride out onto the moor. At lunchtime, we’ll stop in a pretty farm courtyard, which has been converted into a small country store, selling whisky, local crafts and second-hand books (many about Scotland). Of course, it has a lovely cafe too! After a lunch refuel, you'll continue west, completing our loop and finishing at the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil, when Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end in 1746. We take a walk around the battlefield to stretch our legs and soak up the atmosphere, before a 10-minute shuttle takes us back to the hotel. Tonight is free for you to enjoy on your own, and your guides will help you secure reservations for dinner in town, or simply stay back to dine at the hotel.

Overview

Today we delve into another famous Scottish legend with a trip to the mystical Loch Ness. You'll set off from the hotel this morning, riding out of Inverness and onto the open moorlands above the city. A beautiful descent brings us down to the shore of Loch Ness, where we enjoy a scenic ride along a shore-hugging road. Keep an eye out for the monster as we head towards the village of Foyers for lunch. After lunch, we ride across the wild moors which form the southern banks of Loch Ness.The ride concludes with an epic descent, dropping 1,300 feet over five miles, taking you to our hotel in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. After settling in, enjoy a boat cruise on Loch Ness—the perfect aperitif! Tonight, we will enjoy a dinner celebrating a memorable week of riding through the Highlands.

Overview

It’s time to bid farewell to your Trek Travel guides and the atmospheric Scottish Highlands – perhaps with one final ride up a classic climb used on the Loch Ness Etape. Or, simply rise at your own pace and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking a one-hour transfer to the Highland capital of Inverness. You'll say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM and board a private shuttle to Inverness Aiport. Please do not schedule a flight out of Inverness Airport before 2:30 PM or a train before 1:00 PM on the last day to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays.