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Scotland Bike Tour

The Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness

The gentle hills. Meandering coastal paths. Lochs, lakes and waterways around every turn. These braes were built to be discovered by bicycle, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. Quiet roads, views of heather-clad mountains, some testing climbs and superb descents through Scotland's most spectacular landscapes all conspire to romance your heart and challenge your legs. Put away your golf spikes and three-iron for a moment and consider this: Scotland was actually built for bikes, too. Riding through the Highlands, you will be treated to stunning scenery each day, along with a huge array of cultural experiences, as we visit castles, a distillery and perhaps a microbrewery as well. The weather is lovely this time of year and temperatures are perfect for cycling. Throw in some excellent Scottish cuisine, such as locally reared venison and beef at our hand-picked restaurants, and you can ensure that the food is as much a highlight as the riding. And by the time we’re finished, you’ll be forgiven if you now consider Scotland a cycling paradise first, and a golf destination second.

See the self-guided version of this trip »
From:
$4199 Per Person
Duration:
6 Days & 5 Nights
Rider Type: ?
3 - Active Non-riders Welcome
Hotel Style: ?
Explorer
Reviews:
From $4199 per person View All Details
Close Details
Trip Wows
Explore the Scottish Highlands and learn about the area's rich history and culture with a local guide
Take a ride on a speedboat across the mysterious Loch Ness and visit the 13th-Century Urquhart Castle
Ride through the Cairngorms, Scotland's largest and most beautiful National Park
Enjoy a tour and whisky tasting at the intimate Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Watch the Experience
Explore the Scottish Highlands by bike for a memorable journey through Scotland’s largest and most beautiful national park. Scotland may be famous for whisky and the Loch Ness monster, but you will surely be amazed by the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Quiet one lane roads and former military highways, coupled with great Scottish hospitality make for an amazing trip. Descending into Fort Augustus and exploring Loch Ness by boat were two of my favorite parts of this trip. Oh, and if you're lucky, you might just be able to see Queen Elizabeth outside of her summer residence, Balmoral Castle!
-Dave, Trek Travel Guest

Dates & Prices

The Earlier You Book, The Greater The Rewards

We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price and date are guaranteed.
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Jun 20 – Jun 25 
Guaranteed
$4199 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jun 27 – Jul 2 
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Jul 4 – Jul 9 
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Jul 11 – Jul 16 
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Don't see your ideal travel date? 
Call us at (866) 464-8735 for custom date availability
Looking for a one of a kind, once in a lifetime experience?
Look no further. Choose your trip date, get your group together and we will do the rest. Private trip pricing is as follows:
2020 Departure Dates:
  • 6+ Guests    Price as advertised*
  • 4-5 Guests +$500 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$2,500 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*


2021 Departure Dates:
  • 10+ Guests Price as advertised*
  • 8-9 Guests +$500 per person to trip price*
  • 6-7 Guests +$1,000 per person to trip price*
  • 4-5 Guests +$1,500 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$3,000 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Private pricing is not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Private Trip
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Look no further. Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll work together to deliver the same great trip on your custom schedule.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom dates are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
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Want to customize this trip?
We've got you covered. We’ll work with you to build your perfect vacation from scratch, including your choice of riding, accommodations and dining options. With the help of our trip designers and travel experts, the world is available like never before.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom trips are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
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Day To Day

See Dates & Pricing Download PDF

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

Today's Ride:

Braemar to Ballater
Approximately 30 miles with 1,300 feet of climbing

Hotel:

Darroch Learg Hotel

Included Meals:

Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

We’ll get to know Scotland’s natural beauty today, with a ride along the river, through forests and mountains. Starting right from the hotel doorstep in Ballater, we 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, we’ll gently climb alongside the river before reaching our first challenge of the tour. Two climbs take us 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 will find the Queen’s official residence in Scotland - Balmoral Castle. We'll stop for a visit of the intimate Royal Lochnagar Distillery and have a private whisky tasting. From Balmoral, it’s a short distance back to our starting point in Ballater. Now it’s time to relax before dinner on your own, with a stroll around the village or perhaps a pint at the local pub. If you'd like, you may play a round of golf at the Ballater Golf Club this afternoon or evening (not included in the trip price, please request with your trip consultant upon booking so the guides can assist with arranging a tee time - subject to tee time and rental availability). Our hotel is just a few minutes walk from the club.

Today's Ride:

Ballater to Royal Lochnagar Loop
Approximately 47 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing

Short Ride:

Ballater to Balmoral
Approximately 40 miles with 2,900 feet of climbing

Today's Activity:

Private Whisky Tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Hotel:

Darroch Learg Hotel

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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 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 blast downhill 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 climbs and descents follow lunch as we cross the Bridge of Brown, pass through the village of Nethy Bridge before arriving in the tiny hamlet of Dulnain Bridge. Our hotel sits on the edge of the village, with its gates marked by the two resident Highland cows in the adjacent field – a must-have photo!

Today's Ride:

Ballater to Muckrach Lodge
Approximately 43 miles with 3,700 feet of climbing

Short Ride:

Lecht to Dulnain Bridge with Shuttle
Approximately 30 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing

Hotel:

Muckrach Lodge

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Dinner

Today we dig deeper into another famous tall tale of Scottish history with a trip down to mystical, magical Loch Ness. We ride straight from the hotel this morning, initially enjoying a rolling ride with superb views of the high summits of the Cairngorms National Park. Reaching the village of Carrbridge, we pause to admire the famous arched ‘Packhorse Bridge’, which dates back to 1717. We then turn northwest, passing under the impressive Findhorn Viaduct which was completed in 1897, as we ride towards the village of Farr. Enjoy the vast views as we ride across the wild moors which form the southern banks of Loch Ness, leading to lunch at a charming local tea house. The ride ends with an epic descent which drops 1,300 feet over 5 miles, taking us down to the banks of Loch Ness itself and directly to our hotel in the attractive village of Fort Augustus. Here you’re free to explore the village for dinner on your own, and our guides are happy to provide some local favorite destinations.

Today's Ride:

Tomatin to Fort Augustus with Shuttle
Approximately 48 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing

Avid Ride:

Dulnain Bridge to Fort Augustus
Approximately 62 miles with 4,300 feet of climbing

Hotel:

The Lovat

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch

Loch Ness is so much more than the story of a monster, and we’ll see it all on this epic day. Our day starts with a short transfer to the village of Drumnadrochit, best known for being home to 13th Century Castle Urquhart, a ruin lying on the banks of Loch Ness. Your bikes will be waiting for you when you're done to continue a classic loop int he hills above Loch Ness. You can expect to see some of Scotland's most spellbinding scenery along the way, including the majestic mountains of Glen Affric and the forested beauty of Aigas Gorge. Our final descent takes us from the hills back down to the shores of Loch. For a post-ride cool-down, take a brief tour to learn more about the fascinating Castle Urquhart ruins and their turbulent past. From here, we'll enjoy a thrilling speedboat (or Zodiac, as it's known locally) transfer to Fort Augustus. Relax back at the hotel and prepare your stories for sharing over drinks and dinner with your friends that evening.

Today's Ride:

Drumnadrochit to Aigas Gorge Loop with Shuttle
Approximately 41 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing

Short Ride:

Drumnadrochit to Cnog Inn
Approximately 34 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing

Today's Activities:

Private Speedboat Trip on Loch Ness and Tour the 13th Century Castle Urquhart

Hotel:

The Lovat

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Social Hour | Dinner

It’s time to bid farewell to your Trek Travel guides and the atmospheric Scottish Highlands – perhaps with one final ride up a local classic climb used on the Loch Ness Etape. Or, simply rise at your own pace and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we take 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.

Today's Ride:

Fort Augustus to Glendoe Climb Return
Approximately 11 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Hotels

hotel image

Darroch Learg Hotel

Ballater, Scotland

Nestled in the heart of Ballater, this beautifully renovated boutique hotel just recently recovered from a devastating fire, to the delight of locals and travelers alike. Family-run for over 60 years, they are well-known for their on-site restaurant with excellent food and charming views. The Franks family's warm "Highland hospitality" will make you feel well-cared for from the moment you step inside.
www.darrochlearg.co.uk
hotel image

Muckrach Lodge Hotel

Cairngorm National Park, Scotland

This 16-bedroom luxury hotel is situated in Cairngorm National Park. A beautiful Victorian shooting lodge, it was recently been restored to its previous glory and now offers a stylish and comfortable base for exploring the UK’s largest National Park. The hotel is surrounded by 10 acres of spectacular pastureland and a Scottish castle but a highlight for many guests are its two resident Highland cows, who are happy to pose for photos!
www.muckrach.com
hotel image

The Lovat

Fort Augustus, Scotland

The Lovat is the only four-star, three-Rosette hotel in Loch Ness. This award-winning hotel is a short walk from the shores of the majestic and internationally famous loch. It has been fully upgraded in recent years with environmentally conscious additions to classic architecture stretching back to the 1860’s. You can expect comfortable rooms, stylish lounges and fantastic food from the 3AA Rosette restaurant. It's a great place to stay for the final part of your Scotland journey.
www.thelovat.com

What's Included

For us, the details matter most

Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more memories.

bike

Trek Domane SL 7 Disc

It isn’t the cycling vacation of a lifetime unless you have the industry’s best bike to match. In 2019, we upgraded our fleet to feature the award-winning Domane SL 7 with Shimano Ultegra Disc brakes. Because when you combine the lightweight stability and comfort of the Domane with the superior safety and stopping power of disc brakes, you get a match made in cycling heaven. And the best part? It’s included in the trip price. Ride confidently, comfortably and longer in the most beautiful destinations around the world with the new Domane SL 7. Learn More

bike

Trek Electric-Assist Verve+

With its Low-Step frame design, hopping on and off the Trek Verve+ is super easy. The front suspension will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek as you pedal through amazing terrain. Learn More

View all our bikes & gear

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 5 nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels
  • Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
  • Daily route support with both guides and our support van
  • Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
  • 2 social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
  • Ride a Trek Domane SL 7 disc or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+
  • Up to three daily route options on riding days
  • Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
  • Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer, flat pack, front and rear Bontrager Flare R lights, a Bontrager saddle and pedals (Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged or flat pedals)
  • Bontrager WaveCel helmets
  • All gratuities for drivers, local experts and hospitality staff
  • All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
  • A personalized photobook of your trip
  • Entrance fees for all activities, private tours and events

GEAR

  • Trek Domane SL 7 disc carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, available in a limited quantity
  • Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged or flat pedals
  • Bontrager WaveCel helmet
  • Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights and a flat pack
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Upgrade your bike to include carbon wheels (+$200)
  • Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip.
  • For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
  • On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

More Information

Rider Level: 3 - Active?

AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE:
42 miles
TOTAL MILES:
254 miles
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION:
2,567 feet
TOTAL ELEVATION:
15,400 feet
TERRAIN: HILLY
The terrain in Scotland includes quiet roads with views of heather-clad mountains, testing climbs, and superb descents. Scotland is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option—you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4+ Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer.
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES:
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
  • Tour of Royal Lochnagar whisky distillery with tasting
  • Boat ride on Loch Ness
  • Visit the 13th-Century Urquhart Castle
  • Golf (not included)

See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.

Averages and totals are calculated from our Today’s Ride options.

Travel Details

How to Get There

FLY INTO:
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
MEETING TIME:
11:00 AM
MEETING LOCATION:
Perth Railway Station, Perth, UK

Say Farewell

FLY OUT OF:
Inverness Airport (INV)
DEPARTING TIME:
11:00 AM
DEPARTING LOCATION:
Inverness Airport, Fort Augustus, Scotland

All Details

Arriving

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend you fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and then take a train to Perth. You can either travel to Perth the day before the trip starts and take a short taxi to meet the group the following morning; or you can head over on the 9:29 AM train from Edinburgh on Day 1 of your trip, which will arrive at the Perth Railway Station at 10:52 AM. Train tickets can be found at www.scotrail.co.uk or at thetrainline.com. We highly recommend exploring Edinburgh before your trip; however, if you do choose to spend a night or two in Perth, your Trek Travel Trip Consultant can happily provide you with a couple of hotel recommendations.

Perth Railway Station | Perth, UK

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Perth Railway Station (Leonard St, Perth PH2 8RT, UK) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. You’ll then shuttle approximately one and a quarter hours to the trip start. Please have your first day’s riding gear handy and separate from your other luggage to facilitate the bike fitting and ride.

If you will be late for the pick-up or will miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Darroch Learg (+44 13397 55443), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi to the first night’s hotel will cost approximately $120.

View our pre hotel recommendations

Leaving

Lovat Hotel | Fort Augustus, Scotland

You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at The Lovat Hotel. You'll then board a 1.25-hour private shuttle to Inverness where you can be dropped off either at the train station or the airport. Please do not book flights for departure prior to 2:30 PM or train tickets for departure prior to 1:00 PM.

View our post hotel recommendations

Planning For Your Trip

Packing and Weather

Summer temperatures range from the 50s to 70s. 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. Packing List

Before and After Your Trip

before

Before: Edinburgh, UK

Reasons to stay in Scotland's capital abound. Since the 15th century, this city has served as the hub for Parliament, government, royalty, and judicial courts. Both the Old Town and New Town together have been maintained as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. See for yourself the majestic stone castles, bell towers, and universities. Full days can be dedicated to meandering the many neighborhoods, visiting art museums or galleries, and partaking in the classic Scottish sport of golf. (We can also provide recommendations for Perth, if you choose to stay there instead of Edinburgh. Please contact your trip consultant for details.) We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel in Edinburgh:

after

After: Inverness, UK

As one of the smallest cities in Scotland with some 55,000 people, Inverness is ideally located as a hub in the north of Scotland. Known as the "Highland Capital" Inverness offers outdoor activities as well as many cultural attractions. Enjoy dolphin watching on Chanonry Point, arguably the best place to watch Bottlenose Dolphins in Scotland. Walk along the Caledonian Canal, a Scheduled Ancient Monument that runs the length of the Great Glen. Explore some local castles and forteresses and learn about highland clan history, or savor a pint with some live music at the Hootananny Ceilidh Bar. If you like to play golf, there are several Links courses nearby: Royal Dornoch (www.royaldornoch.com), Castle Stuart (www.castlestuartgolf.com), and Nairn Dunbar (www.nairndunbar.com) We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

Customer Reviews

Why Trek Travel

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the all-new, ultra smooth Trek Domane SL 7, to the new Trek Electric-Assist XM700+ and the comfortable Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid, to our numerous upgrade options, you deserve the best ride on your vacation.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.

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