Tour details
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| Tour Provider | UTracks |
| Number of Days | 8 |
| Price From | $2,190 |
| Start Location | Inverness, Scotland |
| End Location | |
| Age Range | Avg. 30+ |
| Group Size | 2 to 20 |
| Tour Style | Standard |
| Tour Themes | No specific theme |
| Physical Rating | Easy to Moderate |
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Make your own way to Inverness. In the evening there will be a route briefing and you will collect your bikes. Now a thriving modern town, Inverness has historical links going back to Neolithic times. Many battles have been fought for control of this strategic site. A visit to the Garrison Castle Encounter will take you back to 1745 and the Jacobite Rebellion.
Accommodation: Family run 3 star villa guesthouse, all rooms ensuite.
Day 2
Leaving Inverness and following the river, you will cycle across moorland and quiet country roads to Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined Urquhart Castle. Today's route is mostly uphill.
Accommmodation: Built in 1810, the first house on the green, this B&B still has many traditional features, such as the original Georgian windows and is now B listed.
Day 3
Follow the Cycle Way of the Great Glen. After some steep hills you are rewarded with beautiful views of Loch Ness and the mountains beyond. In the forest you may see deer or golden eagles before you reach the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus. The terrain today and tomorrow is on stony paths.
Accommodation: Small family run Bed & Breakfast situated within walking distance of Fort Augustus.
Day 4
The Caledonian Canal towpath and forest tracks keep you away from traffic until you reach the locks of Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie. From here there is a short ride to the busy tourist town of Fort William in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis.
Accommodation: Two nights in a family run B&B with panoramic views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding hills.
Day 5
Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis or explore the many trails in Leanachan Forest.
Day 6
Avoid the busy roads iwth a scenic train journey across bleak and desloate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch Station. Cycle along the quiet road along hte beautiful south shore of Loch Rannoch to Tummel Bridge. Continue by Loch Tummel to the delightful Victorian town of Pitlochry
Day 7
Cycle to Blair Atholl and visit Blair Castle, enjoying the magnificent display of arms and armour and the thirty-two fully furnished rooms displaying beautiful furniture, fine paintings, china, lace and embroidery. Alternatively, cycle to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small square. At Pitlochry there is a chance for some shopping, visit one of the two distilleries or the Dam and Fish Ladder.
Day 8
The trip concludes after breakfast.
Inclusions
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7 breakfasts – Full breakfasts are served and usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/sausages, tomato, toast (or any combination you prefer), coffee, tea and juices.
7 nights accommodation in 3 to 4 star bed & breakfast accommodation on a twin share basis with private facilities.
Transfer of luggage between accommodation – One bag per person (up to 20kg per person).
Train ticket Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6
Map, GPX files, travel documentation and emergency support service
24 speed hybrid cycles equipped with helmets, panniers, tools, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, lock and water bottle. E bikes are not suitable on this tour.
Hightlights
Cycling through the heart of the Scottish Highlands
Exploring the quaint villages which are full of historical intrigue
Experiencing the timelessness of the lochs
Visiting castles and taking side trips to experience the landscape further on foot
