Overview

Meet your Trek Travel host at 11:00 AM at the Ravenscraig Guest House in the bustling town of Aviemore, surrounded by lush highland scenery, in the northwest corner of the majestic Cairngorms National Park. At the lodge, your host will familiarize you with the itinerary for the week and will spend some time fitting you to your Trek bike, ensuring the best fit and comfort for the week. Afterwards, you are free to spend the day as you like: take a walk through town or venture out on a warm-up ride. Today is a linear route which makes for an excellent opening day ride. Keen riders may want to take on the local test climb to challenge themselves on the ascent to the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Center, which rises over 1,000 feet (300 m) and three miles (5 km). Alternatively, relax and enjoy views at the lake, which boasts a large sandy beach that is popular with swimmers. Back at your guest house, relax and unwind perhaps with a cup of tea served in the cozy lounge. Tonight, take a recommendation provided by your host as you decide which local restaurant to try first.

Overview

Today, you'll take a private transfer (approximately 30 minutes) southward to our starting point of the village of Dalwhinnie, renowned for it's iconic whiskey distillery. The vast heather moors sprawl before us, creating a rugged yet captivating scene and starkly different from the lush pine forests nearby. Passing through Newtonmore, don't miss the Highland Folk Museum, an open-air experience worth exploring. A leisurely cycling path guides us towards Kingussie, offering a perfect spot for lunch or simply coffee with a well earned slice of cake! Energized, a brief ascent awaits with a treat of sweeping views of the valley, with the historic Ruthven Barracks standing prominently in the foreground. Take a moment to wander through the ruins, built in the early 1700s by George II's government after the unsuccessful Jacobite uprising of 1715. As we navigate the road lined by dry stone walls and towering trees towards Aviemore, keep watch for red squirrels and listen for the sound of woodpeckers that are abundant along this route.

Overview

Riding from the guest house, you will follow a quiet country road northeast to Loch Garten; a picturesque freshwater loch famous for its wildlife. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds runs a reserve where Ospreys return annually to breed, providing a unique opportunity for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to observe these magnificent birds. From Loch Garten, it is a short ride to the "forest village" of Nethy Bridge. The village itself is nestled in Abernethy Forest, one of the largest areas of native Caledonian pine forests in the country. There is also an excellent cafe for coffee or lunch. Returning to Aviemore on a more direct route, leaving the wildlife rich surroundings of the pine trees, the Cairngorm mountains are in full view on the horizon. This completes a "lollipop" shaped circuit. In your downtime, a tour of the local microbrewery in Aviemore is recommended.

Overview

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for a short transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to a tiny settlement called Duthil, where you’ll begin an exciting traverse of the Dava Moor, passing through a wonderful mix of farmland, woodland, and moorland. The ride starts with a long but gentle climb up onto the wild scenery of the moor. Take a turn along a tiny road which hugs the shoreline of Lochindorb, complete with its island-castle with a dark history linked to Alexander Stewart - better known as the Wolf of Badenoch. After a short climb away from the loch, enjoy a fast descent to the stately town of Grantown on Spey—a good spot for lunch or a coffee. To return to Aviemore, travel back via Nethy Bridge. If your legs are tiring by the time you reach Nethy Bridge, you can opt to get a Steam Train back with your bike to Aviemore from the next village, Boat of Garten! Tonight celebrate with one last dinner choosing from our list of hand-selected recommendations and toast to a week of wonders in this captivating country.

Overview

On your final morning in this picturesque setting, the Kincraig loop (the local's favorite) beckons for one last cycling adventure. While a small section of this route may look familiar, riding it in reverse promises a brand new perspective. The road, flanked by magnificent oak trees, creates an overarching tunnel, allowing streaks of sunlight to filter through, often casting beautiful dappled shadows on the road ahead. The views down the valley on a clear day stretches for miles. A sharp right, hair-pinned steep descent takes you down to Feshiebridge, where the falls cascade into a crystal clear opening. The inviting waters offer a perfect opportunity for a wild swim - an unexpected delight where the trees themselves are the captivating exhibits. As you pedal into Kincraig, there is a charming cafe stop, which by chance, is almost exactly the midpoint of the circular loop. A sharp climb out of Kincraig sets you on your return to Aviemore, which should be accompanied by a tailwind! Return to the guest house in time to check out at 10:30 AM.