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Enjoy the rural landscapes on a Scotland bike tour
Cruise on Loch Ness to a 13th Century Urquhart Castle on a Scotland Bike Tour
Enjoy local cuisine on a Trek Travel Scotland bike tour
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Ride in scenic landscapes on a Trek Travel Scotland bike tour
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20UK - IMG_20180808_131525 Enjoy the rural landscapes on a Scotland bike tour Cruise on Loch Ness to a 13th Century Urquhart Castle on a Scotland Bike Tour Enjoy local cuisine on a Trek Travel Scotland bike tour 20UK - 0002 Ride in scenic landscapes on a Trek Travel Scotland bike tour 20UK - Philippa+&+Simon+0515 20UK - IMG_20180823_104113 20UK - IMG_20180806_155843 20UK - IMG_20180823_075156

Scotland Bike Tour

The Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness


Book now to guarantee the best prices and your preferred dates before September 27th!

Experience the stunning Scottish Highlands on a bike tour with us. Start in scenic Royal Deeside, home to the King’s Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, then journey into the heart of the wild Cairngorms National Park – the UK's largest. Explore Loch Ness, in search of the fabled monster. Ride slender ribbons of pavement up and over remote moors, tackling steep pitches on rugged roads amid Scotland's spectacular landscapes – old forests, heather-clad climbs, and charming stone villages. Immerse in rich history and culture, visiting castles, a distillery, and a microbrewery. Each evening, savor delicious local cuisine in the warmth of the most welcoming accommodations. Riding in Scotland is as exciting as it is beautiful; an adventure not to be missed by any cycling enthusiast. Book your trip with confidence » See the self-guided version of this trip »

From:
$4499 Per Person
Duration:
6 Days & 5 Nights
Rider Level: ?
3 - Active Non-riders Welcome
Trip Style: ?
Signature
Hotel Level: ?
Combined
From $4499 per person View All 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
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
Scotland Bike Tour
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 is guaranteed.
Guaranteed 
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Sold Out/
Waitlist
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Private/
Reserved
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Single Occupancy from: +$899
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May 26 – May 31 
$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jun 16 – Jun 21 
$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jul 21 – Jul 26 
$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Sep 1 – Sep 6 
Guaranteed Limited Availability
$4899 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
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:

  • 10+ Guests Price as advertised*
  • 8-9 Guests +$750 per person to trip price*
  • 6-7 Guests +$1,500 per person to trip price*
  • 4-5 Guests +$2,000 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$3,000 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*


Traveling with a small group? Consider semi-private trips.
For groups of up to six people, semi-private trips offer unique flexibility within a larger Trek Travel guided trip. Learn more »

*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.
Looking for a date that you don’t see?
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.
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.

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 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. 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 31 mi | 50 km and 1,393 ft | 425 m

Hotel:

Darroch Learg Hotel

Included Meals:

Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

We’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 tour. 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. We'll stop for a visit of the intimate Royal Lochnagar Distillery for whisky tasting. 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 a pint at the local pub. Our hotel is just a few minutes walk from the club.

Today's Ride:

Ballater to Royal Lochnagar Loop
Approximately 50 mi | 80 km and 3,880 ft | 1,183 m

Short Ride:

Ballater to Balmoral
Approximately 41 mi | 66 km and 2,912 ft | 887 m

Today's Activity:

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 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 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 you cross the Bridge of Brown, pass through the village of Nethy Bridge. From there we will transfer to our next hotel in Inverness.

Today's Ride:

Ballater to Nethy Bridge
Approximately 38 mi | 61 km and 3,467 ft | 1,057 m

Short Ride:

Ballater ride with Shuttle
Approximately 24 mi | 38.5 km and 2,600 ft | 793 m

Hotel:

Kingsmills Hotel

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Dinner

Today we take on a favorite local 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 hump of 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 Logie Steading at a converted country store for a cafe lunch together. Be sure to check out their shops for whisky, antiques, and local crafts! 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.

Today's Ride:

Cawdor to Culloden Moor with Dava Moor Loop
Approximately 43 mi | 70 km and 2,988 ft | 911 m

Short Option:

Cawdor to Logie with Shuttle
Approximately 19 mi | 30 km and 1,203 ft | 367 m

Hotel:

Kingsmills Hotel

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch

Today we dig deeper into another famous tall tale of Scottish history with a trip down to mystical, magical Loch Ness. You'll ride straight from the hotel this morning, and the route takes us out of Inverness and onto the open moorlands above Inverness. Beautiful descent takes us down to the shore of Loch Ness, and we enjoy a fabulous ride along a shore-hugging road, with one eye on the road and the other looking out for the monster as we ride towards the village of Foyers. Lunch this afternoon is available at a charming local tea house where we stop along the way. The ride ends with an epic descent, dropping 1,300 feet over 5 miles, taking you down to the banks of Loch Ness itself and directly to our hotel in the attractive village of Fort Augustus. After settling into the hotel, there is time for a thrilling speedboat (or Zodiac, as it's known locally) ride on Loch Ness - the perfect aperitif! Our final night ends with a dinner celebrating a memorable week of riding the Highlands.

Today's Ride:

Inverness to Fort Augustus
Approximately 33 mi | 53 km and 2,451 ft | 747 m

Today's Activities:

Private Zodiac Trip on Loch Ness

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 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.

Today's Ride:

Fort Augustus to Viewpoint
Approximately 11 mi | 18 km and 1,564 ft | 477 m

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Hotels

hotel image

Darroch Learg Hotel

Ballater, Scotland

Explorer Accommodation | 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.
hotel image

Kingsmills Hotel

Inverness, Scotland

Luxury Accommodation | Kingsmills Hotel is a fabulous 4-star property in Inverness, the capital of the beautiful Scottish Highlands, which provides a luxury getaway. All rooms in this 18th century residency are spacious and elegantly furnished, boasting charming décor and an array of modern amenities to create a home-away-from-home ambiance. A leisure club includes an indoor pool along with a hot tub, fitness room, and sauna. The hotel restaurant overlooks landscaped gardens and offers impeccable hospitality and dining options to make your stay an unforgettable experience.
hotel image

The Lovat

Fort Augustus, Scotland

Explorer Accommodation | 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.

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 AL 5 Disc

Trek’s latest innovation has led to the best aluminium bike on the road—a lightweight, stable, and technologically advanced machine to make every road seem smooth and easy while the disc brakes make stopping safe and secure. Ride confidently and comfortably for as long as you like, in the most beautiful British riding destinations. Learn More

bike

Trek Electric Assist Allant+ 5

The Trek Allant+ 5 is the perfect bike for our bike tours in Scotland. Featuring the Bosch mid-drive motor, stable 45mm tires, and a lightweight aluminium frame, you will be enjoying the scenery with comfort and a nice consistent boost of power. The suspension seat post will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Shimano disc brakes will stop you perfectly in any weather conditions. You'll love the Trek Allant+ 5! Learn More

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Five 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, three lunches, and four dinners
  • Two social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
  • Ride a Trek Domane AL 5 Disc road bike or Trek Electric-Assist Allant+ 5
  • 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, a flat pack (containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator), 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 digital photo album of your trip
  • Entrance fees for all activities, private tours and events

GEAR

  • Trek Domane AL 5 Disc road bike or Trek Electric-Assist Allant+ 5, 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 or flat pedals
  • Bontrager WaveCel helmet
  • Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • 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

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we suggest a tip for your guides between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or our staff can help 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. 
  • 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:
55 kilometers / 34 miles
TOTAL MILES:
331 kilometers / 206 miles
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION:
800 meters / 2,623 feet
TOTAL ELEVATION:
4,800 meters / 15,743 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
  • Golf (not included)
  • Explore Inverness

See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our vacations, Trek Travel seeks 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:
12:30 PM
DEPARTING LOCATION:
Inverness Airport, Inverness, Scotland

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:

Why Trek Travel

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the ultra-smooth Trek Domane SL 7 to the Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, you deserve the best ride on your vacation. Plus, we offer a range upgrade options to take you the extra mile.

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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